Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, here I come!

Okay, most of you that know me well are very surprised at the idea of me running a marathon. "Ellen? The same person who will only run when chased?" Yes, I am this same person. But I have my reasons for doing such a seemingly insane thing.

My sister Amy talked me into joining Team In Training earlier this month. She had just signed up with her local chapter in Denver and wanted me to do this with her here in NY. Amy explained that not only would it get me into shape (which I so sorely need), that the money I'd be raising would not only go towards my training and getting me to the race, but that the real backbone of doing this was to save lives. 76% of the money I'll raise goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), towards research and treatment and saving lives. What really hit home for me about this was that my friend Kelli had just been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma last year, so I could do this directly for someone I love. And so I agreed.

What I love about Team In Training is that it is beneficial in so many ways. I'll have the chance to get in the best shape of my life, to challenge myself to do something as difficult as running a marathon as a beginner, and to make a real difference in the lives of people like Kelli who are affected with blood cancer. Not to mention the friends I'll make along the way and the personal satisfaction of knowing I did all this.

So Amy and I are doing this together. We will train seperately while raising funds as a team. But we need your help. This effort is nothing without the generosity of our family, friends, coworkers, even strangers. You can be part this amazing initiative that makes a real difference in the lives of those affected with Leukemia & Lymphoma (many of which are children). So, please, give whatever you can. It's tax deductible and it will go to such a worthy cause.

Thanks to all of you who support me, my sister and this effort. And stay tuned, as this will be a very interesting road ahead!

Ellen