I am proud to announce that I will be running the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon on June 2, 2013 through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program.

I have been searching my brain for the reasons why I am deciding to do this. The challenge. The health benefits. The goal. The "bucket list." The "it sounded like a good idea at the time."

But when I really think about it, I realize that why I am running a marathon through Team in Training comes down to two reasons:

My grandpa Audley was one of my heroes. I always looked up to him and the love he had for our family. Toward the end of his life, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells. He lived for several years after his diagnosis, which was a surprise to many doctors. And in those final years of his life, he spent them accomplishing some of his biggest dreams. He meant the world to me, and this is my way of paying back. This is small way that I can help others like my grandpa be healthier, live longer, and spend more time accomplishing their dreams and inspiring their families, like my grandpa did. So I am running for him.

I am also running this for all the people who have been told they can't. Ever since I was a kid, I have struggled with weight and self-esteem issues. I was picked on. I was judged. I was doubted. Over the years, the struggle to keep my health under control seemed like a daunting task. A little over two years ago, while I was in grad school, I found myself with the highest weight I have ever been in my life staring up at me from the scale. I had to make a drastic change. I started running. Doctors told me I shouldn't be a runner. Due to my weight struggles, bad joints, and knee surgery I underwent in high school, I'm not the best candidate to be a runner. But I fell in love with it. In December 2010 I ran my first 5K. Ever since then, I have ran at least one race every month. My confidence started rising. My weight started falling. Then I accomplished something I never thought I would: in May 2012 I ran my first half marathon. A marathon was never even on the radar until this day. But when I crossed the finish line, I knew that it was something that I could actually do. And had to do. It's not much, but it's my way of showing that with hard work and preparation, anything is possible. I will prove this by doing something that I have been told I can't and shouldn't do. And I will succeed!

So because of this, I’m running as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program. Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. I’m committing to improve the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.

As the name indicates, I truly consider this a team effort. It is more than me running a marathon. It is about the people in my life who will send well wishes and encouragement throughout this journey. It is about the people who will donate to help make this dream a reality. It is about my Team in Training teammates, who will provide the accountability and support we need to help each other reach our goals. And it is about the countless people who will benefit from the money and awareness that this raises.

Please consider making a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures.

Starting February 2nd, I will be posting updates along the way on my blog. To follow along, visit jeffyp2003.blogspot.com

A LITTLE INFO ABOUT TNT AND LLS

TNT has trained over half a million runners, walkers, triathletes, cyclists, and hikers and raised over $1.2 billion to fund lifesaving research. More than 40,000 endurance athletes train with TNT annually competing in the world's major marathons, triathlons, cycling races, and other endurance events.

The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

LLS is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

MEET THE TEAM!

For more information about Team in Training, please visit www.teamintraining.org

I have decided to add a few fun things to the mix to help get the funds going. If you donate the following amounts, you will receive the following as a thank you from me :) (plus all incentives for donations for totals below your amount - ex. if you donate $100, you receive that incentive, plus the $50, $25, and $10 incentives)

Donate $10 or more

Receive a personalized photo of me at the finish line after I complete the marathon. Please provide your address in comments below or via email.

Donate $25 or more

Receive a handmade purple bracelet (purple is the official LLS/TNT color) prior to the race. Please wear the bracelet on June 2, 2013 and show your support for me. Please provide address in comments below or via email.

Donate $50 or more

I will specially dedicate one mile of my race to you or the person of your choice. That mile will be dedicated to you, or in honor or memory of a loved one. Please provide name & any information you'd like to provide in comments below or via email.

Donate $100 or more

Receive either a personal phone call or I will make a personalized thank you video from the finish line. Please provide phone #, facebook page, or email address in comments below or via email.

Donate $250 or more

Receive an official Rock n Roll San Diego merchandise item. I will pick out something with your suggestion (i.e. t-shirt, lanyard, glass, etc.) and it will be sent to you as a thank you. Please provide address in comments below or via email.

Donate $500 or more

I will steal you a panda from the San Diego Zoo. Not really, but I will find something incredible to recognize this unbelievable contribution.

Email me at jeffrey.parker2@gmail.com