I always was an overachiever. I've realized my fundraising goal and have all my generous contributers to thank. The New York City Chapter of Team in Training has raised over a million dollars, getting closer every day to the $1.6 million mark it has set as its goal. I'm sure we will collectively reach it, and the money will go a long way toward battling the blood cancer beast.

It's a very savvy beast, too, figuring out novel ways to re-attack its target despite all the chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, DLI's and newer drugs thrown at it. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's mission is to erradicate this disease. Blood cancer is truly a roller coaster ride through hell.

I thought about posting a picture of my running self, but the staff photographer (my husband) captured me looking like a distressed rabbit, hands limply bending at the wrists. The professional photographer (this was an offical 5k race) snapped some warrior shots of me, but I wasn't going to spend good money on a lie. You would've been impressed, but it was camera trickery.

You'll have to come out to the NYC Marathon on November 6th to see how I look while running. I hope to remain upright, but you know what they say about the tortoise and the hare ...

I just returned from Central Park where I ran 4 miles, concentrating on my pace (slow).Now that I've rehydrated and licked my wounds, I'm going to try to tempt those last few donators with an irresistible offer.

It goes like this. I need $104 to reach my fundraising goal of $3700. Can you believe it? Now, I'm not asking you to give that amount to secure your place in history. You can give me anything: $26.20 (number of miles in a marathon); $5; any amount you feel comfortable with. The generous person who gets me to my goal wins (your choice) a signed copy of my first published book; drinks at The Plaza Hotel; a prix free dinner chez PJ.

If you don't want to donate online, feel free to send me a tax-deductible check made out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Help me in my personal battle to knock blood cancer to the curb. I'll give you my address if you send me an email.

Once again, thanks!

I had mixed feelings last night. On one hand, I felt great and wanted to train with the team. I'd taken a few days off for medical reasons and wanted to see how I'd do on the 5k "test." On the other hand, it was raining cats and dogs, a little on the cool side, and the temptation to stay at home and take a nap was potent. Do I stay or do I go?

I went. I managed to stay fairly dry as I walked the mile to Central Park where I joined 50 other Team in Trainers who'd braved the weather and were ready to go. On the walk over, I thought about how running in the rain is good training in the event the marathon is a soagy one. I climbed on my metaphorical cancer horse and ruminated about all the blood cancer patients, past, present, future, whom I was raising money for. Running in a cool dark rain was nothing compared to what these people go through.

So, with water water everywhere (including in my sneakers) and no chance to drink it, I did my 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) at record slowness. Coach Erin stayed with me every step of the way. Talking made it better. It usually does.

If you donate $104 today, I will reach my fundraising goal and you will be famous.

Sunday, I ran/walked 9 miles near my house in the Catskills. It was a new route that held many surprises, mainly hills. There was no way I could run up the first series of 3 at a ridiculous incline that made me feel as though my heart would burst. I was rewarded with 4 miles of gently rolling hills and beautiful views. By the end, my knee hurt, my left foot was swollen, and I was glad (and proud) to be done.

Why am I doing this to myself? To raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a group that's given me, when I was a leaukemia patient, so much.

In addition to funding research to erradicate blood cancers, the Society funds special programs that make the life of a blood cancer patient a little easier. This matters. Please help me raise money for "the cause." There are a lot of them out there, but this one is my special interest group whose members would be very happy to get healthy and live!

I ran 7 miles Sunday in the Catskills. It was cool (60 degrees), the air was pure and I was feeling minor pain, mainly in my eyes. I warmed up with a mile loop across the bridge, around to the next bridge, where I started a new section. I ran up to the school (emphasis on up), did 2 miles on the track, and then ran up the mountain (well, walked really), and ended at my house. I was still missing half a mile so I ran down the street to Main and walked back. On my run/walk up the mountain, I saw a buck leap out in front of me and gallop to the other side of the road, disappearing into the woods. How many points? I have no idea.

Today, I'm supposed to work out with Team in Training in Central Park at 7pm but it's hot and humid so I decided to do the workout at my air-conditioned gym. This involves a little cheat because it's cool, my towel is always handy, as is my water bottle. Afterwards, I did some abdominal work and lifted light weights for my arms and shoulders. My yoga class, which followed, stretched me out and helped me to relax even more than I already was.

8 miles in the Catskills this Friday, on a less hilly route. I'm starting to feel that maybe I can do this thing. I just need to stay focused on my training and let the "cause drive" me: no more blood cancer, better treatment options, relief to those fighting the battle.