When my mother was diagnosed with cancer I was about 5 years old. My little sister had just been born--so it was me, my dad, mom and two sisters. I hard a hard time understanding what was going on. Mom was not expected to be live very long, but I could not really grasp the concept of death.

She fought for 5 years after being told she would live months. She fought to stay alive for her kids, her family, and those that loved her. She refused to admit defeat because she so strongly wanted to live and to continue the life she had created for herself and her children. She underwent mastectomies, chemotherapy, and any experimental treatment they would give her. She was in and out of hospitals for much of my childhood. Eventually she succumbed to breast cancer, dying a little before I turned eleven. Yet I will always remember her steadfastness and her love for life and shared experience. Her sickness tore my family apart, and it undeniably impacted everyone who loved her. Her courage and unwillingness to give up inspire me to be the best I can--to never give up no matter what the odds or what they tell me. This is why I train.

This is also why I ask you to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They have a proven track record of improving the lives of cancer patients, funding much needed research and seeking a cure for blood cancers. Your donation, of any amount, goes towards a cure and patient support.

If you or a loved one has been affected by cancer, let me know! I will write any names on my jersey that you request, whether or not you make a donation. I'm running this race in honor of all who have overcome cancer and those who still fight it; in memory of those who have succumbed to it.

Miles so far this season (3/5):

Running: 87 Biking: 124 Swimming: 12.5

Updates

3/5: Been a long time since my last update, but that doesn't mean I haven't been training hard. Been going out 5-6 days a week, which has been tough as I've also been putting in 60-70hr work weeks. Usually I try to take off at some point in the early evening, run or swim (joined a pool near work) for an hour or so, then head back into the office burn some midnight oil. This morning had my first outdoor bike ride in a couple months--have been mostly doing indoor/spin. The first 20 miles were great, then I hit a wall and really had to push to get through my final circuit of Prospect Park. I think it has something to do with my quads still being sore from the 7 mile hill training session in Central Park earlier this week. Still, I made it just about the distance that I'll have to ride in the tri (25 miles) and will be pushing it further in the coming weeks. Less than a month to go--starting to get excited!

1/12: So, the bad news is that my flight was cancelled and I am stuck in Vegas until Saturday. Good news is I found an awesome indoor pool where I've been swimming... Did 40 laps today (about a mile) then ran the two and a half miles home.

1/9: In Las Vegas for my grandma's 90th birthday. Running out here with all the concrete and no trees makes me realize how amazing and chill Brooklyn is.

1/2: First run of the new year, and first day when it wasn't way too cold and icy to get out to the park. Was crazy running around when everything is still covered in snow while it's a balmy 51 degrees out.

12/18: Rode out to Prospect Park for the group training today. Great run with some stairs and other intervals. I think I need better gloves though, because my fingers were cooooooold.

12/15: Today was a group running session in Central Park, ran about 4 miles. Temperature in the low twenties, absolutely freeeezing. Still, was a good run and I'm starting to meet more of the people on the team--they're really great, and really inspiring. Back at the office now for a late night, but the fresh air was definitely a welcome break.

12/13: My first group swim session! Learning all about high elbow recovery and minimizing head lift when I breathe. I thought I was in decent shape... But I couldn't believe how out of breath I was after just a couple hard laps. I can't believe I'll be swimming a mile in the ocean in just 16 weeks.

12/5: Finally, a sunny day! Off to run in Prospect Park!

11/25: I'm trying out some Vibram five-fingers for the first time--they are great and really simulate running barefoot. Just did a quick 2 mile run because I've heard it's super easy to overdo it when you're not used to them. Still, they feel amazing--like being a kid again.

Friends,

I'm training to participate in the Lavaman triathlon in Kona, Hawaii as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's ("LLS") Team In Training.

As many of you know, my mother passed away when I was 10 years old, after a prolongued battle with cancer. Her bravery and her fight to stay alive inspire me to this day--she never gave up, and never admited defeat. I'm doing this race in her honor, and for all of those who have suffered from, or been affected by cancer.

LLS is an amazing organization--it is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research. In addition to research, LLS engages in improving the quality of life of patients, and educating the public and health professionals. Since 1954, it has awarded over $680 million in research funding.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. If you'd like to make a donation in honor of someone, I'll be writing the names of any individuals my donors select on my jersey for the day of the race--just let me know. We need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!