Where to begin, other than at 3:45am on May 18....only to get up, eat, get dressed, and head to Boise to meat the Team to catch the busses out to Lucky Peak where the race began. It was alot of standing around, sharing running stories (alot of listening for me since I am a 1st timer), and discussing strategy. Because believe it or not there is alot of strategy to be able to complete a 13.1 mile run in your desired time, without injury, and most of all have fun. We have all trained and fundraised so hard for the past 5 months to get to this day.

So the race was scheduled to start at 7am but because there was record turn out this year the race cordinators decided to close off part of the road and so there was a slight delay, which is quite alright with me, safety first. I am not sure the exact numers but between full and half there were well over 3000 runners and walker of all ages and abilities. It was amazing to see and experience. Keep in mind this is a big race, lots of people, for the small Greenbelt path that most of 3/4 of the race takes place on.

Everyone lined up and waited for the gun to go off about 7:10am. I finally crossed the START line at 7:12 because there were so many people funneling through such a small area. And the race began....It went very well. I kept my slow and steady pace for the first 12 miles and then picked it up slighty for the last 1.1 and ran it on in. Whenever I found myself slowing down or dragging a little, I would hear a group of people cheering on in the background "Good Job", "keep it up", "GO TEAM", they didnt know me but they knew the cause. Those words of encouragement always came at the right time, and there was my instant pick me up.

As I rounded the corner to the finish line I saw my family and heard "GO MOM", "GO SISSY", GO AUNTY", and that was the first time that my breathing started to shutter and I almost lost it. It was a very emotional moment and I had to look away. I picked my head up, ran with every ounce of energy I had left in me as fast as I could to cross that line. AND I DID. I had the best cheering squad ever, and they started 5 months ago and havent stopped since. I couldn't have done this without them because really the race is just a long run, its all the training that really matters. If you dont train properly the race is all for nothing. Keep in mind I signed up to walk this thing and in the past 5 months I have come along ways and with the help of out amazing coaches I was able to run it. So here are my numbers... Total time 2hrs19min, avg-10:30min/mile

I want to thank you all for your support and your donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We are so close to finding the cure to blood cancers and without your donations this would never be possible. Along with the patient and family support, the Society does so much behind the scenes with congress and the insurance industry that is making a difference in the lives of cancer fighters every day. This amazing organization is so near and dear to my heart and I hope it has become the same to yours.

Well, the big day is almost here and I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Tomorrow is Race day. I will be getting up at 3:45am to get ready, eat, drive to Boise, meet the Team, and get on the bus to the starting line at 5:30am. Race starts at 7am. I had Physical Therapy yesterday and he has given me the go ahead to get my run on!! Woohoo!! I have trained so hard for the past 5 months for this day and can't belive it is finally here. I know I will probably cry when I cross the line and that is quite alright. This symbolizes more than just a Half Marathon to me, it symbolizes the generous donations you all made to this amazing cause to help find the cure to blood cancers and the support for the families fighting the monster.

I have such an amazing cheering squad that will be there tomorrow supporting me. I could not have done this without my family and am so fortunate to have such and AMAZING one!! And Miles even made it all the way to Idaho to cheer me on! How cool is that?!

This has been such an amazing experience over the past few months and I am so thankful for it all. I figure between my 1-2 times a week training meeting with the Team in Boise, some days I actually spend more time in the car driving than I do pounding the pavement. BUT, the knowledge, confidence, and strength I have gained from our incredible coaches is irreplaceable. I could not have ever made it this far with out them.

And a shout out to our rockin babysitter Samantha. You are the best and thank you for taking such good care of our girls, and waking up so early on Saturday morning.

Ok all for now. We have our Inspiration Dinner tonight after our Race Number Pick up so it will be a busy day.

I will be sure to update after the race. Thank you all for you support and if you still want to donate to this amazing cause its not too late. Every dollar makes a huge difference!!

4/24/13

This evening I participated in the ride for 175(hrs) "Cycle to Break the Cycle" with 103.3FM to help raise awareness of child abuse. It was an awesome event and so fun to be apart of such a great cause. I rode for an hour and it was the first time in over 10 years Ive been on a bike, but soo awesome.

Training is going great. We ran 9.3 miles on saturday. It was my all time high and it went alot smoother than I expected.

Thank you to Les Schwab Tire for their corporate sponsorship! From Klamath Falls, Oregon to all over the Treasure Valley, Idaho This is huge and so appreciated.

Thank you to my husband Randy who helped make this happen. You are a rockstar!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Yesterday my Hero, who also happens to be my sweet nephew, Miles had his last LP, his counts were great, and they got word his last day of chemo is June 15, 2013!! After 3 years and 3 months Miles and his family are almost ready to close this door and open the next. What a journey this has been! He is such an amazing kiddo and true inspiration. When I hit a rough patch training and I think I need a break, I think of Miles and everything he has been through and I pick my head up and keep moving. It is the least I can do to honor him to help fundraise to find a cure to this ugly monster called cancer.

I know that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society makes a difference in so many fighters lives and continues to behind the scenes with insurance companies and congress as well; not to mention all of their amazing RESEARCH your donations are funding to save lives every day!!

Please email me if you want any more information on the LLS and need any assistance making a dontaion to this amazing cause. There is still time to make your tax deductable donation.

amber_worch@hotmail.com