Dec 2007: Last session of Chemotherapy

Oct 2011: Finish line @ the Nike Women's Marathon 2011

So it is with a lot of gratitude and a sense of achievement I say 'I did it' (in Nike style). Ran 26.2 miles at a slow and conservative pace and finished the race 4 hours and 54 minutes after I started. It was an incredible experience. The hills were unforgiving and there was no shortage of those on the course. Loved the energy and camraderie on the course - being with 22000+ runners (95% of them women) - most of them running to honor those that have been touched by cancer. Every one on that course was a hero - it was a privilege to be amongst them.

Now it's time for me to thank some very important people for helping me achieve what seemed improbable a few months ago.

My family foremost for putting up with me through the last few training months - I can tell you, I was pretty much useless at home especially on long run days when we started to do upwards of 15 miles!

Coaches, mentors and my friends at Team in Training for the support, advice, motivation throughout the training season and on race day. Here's an example - At mile 23 on the course, in my eagerness to be done with the misery, I sprinted up a hill and my quads seized up. I could barely move - let's just say I was having bad thoughts and the letters 'DNF' (Did not finish) against my name - kept popping into my mind. Worst feeling, ever! An angel coach from TNT saw me in pain, gave me a pep talk, walked a couple of minutes with me and miraculously I kept going and even managed to start running again a mile later. Based on this experience, I totally recommend TNT if anyone is interested in a running program.

All those that have donated to this worthy cause. You supported something that is very dear and personal to me and I'll forever be grateful to you for that.

I know it's been 'me, me, me' for a few months now - so I'll stop pestering you now. At the risk of sounding preachy, I'll say this 'What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve'. So set yourself that lofty goal and you'll get there before you know it.

First things first, a HUGE THANKS to all of you that have contributed towards my fundraising. I have reached my target minimum of $2500 thanks to your generosity. This funding goes directly towards supporting cancer patients and to research for a cure - I salute you for making this a priority in your busy lives and for your contribution to this noble cause.

Now on to my run: getting closer to the big day; just 3 weeks away! I'm in this picture with a friend after a rather difficult (thanks to picturesque rollling hills) 20.3 mile run.

I still have to run 6 more miles on race day. In therory, it's just an additional 10k but reality is that my legs felt like lead after 20. Race day excitement is what I'm banking on now to carry me through!! Can't wait to see the finish line on race day.

Race day is Oct 16, 2011 - we hit the 18 mile mark in our training run last weekend. It was a battle of will and effort. I borrow a quote from a friend - "Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic." Tim Noakes, author of Lore of Running

As we change gears into the last weeks, I am very close to my fundraising minimum. Just $325 short of reaching the goal of $2500 by Sep 30. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those that have contributed so far - you are my heroes. When I signed up for this cause, my aim was to raise awareness of this disease and raise funds towards finding a cure. I hope I have achieved some of that.

For those that have been thinking about it or just haven't got to the mouseclicks/ writing out a check yet, I urge you to do so now since I have a close approaching deadline. Cliched as it sounds, your contribution does help save lives. So please do consider contributing whatever you can to this worthy cause. Many lives depend on it!

In this pic, I'm on the left with team mates at the end of a 16.1 mile run yesterday. We ran around Lake Natoma and surrounding trails. I couldn't help but think about the last time I ran that course almost a year ago when I did the Lake Natoma Four Bridges Half Marathon. Ton of difference - mainly in my attitude and physical abilities. I struggled last year during the race - purely due to lack of training. This time I stayed focused and although I'd admit I was glad to be at the finish line, I felt way better than I did before. Guess that's the reward for sticking to a training schedule. Also what kept me going was that 4 years ago at this time I was going through chemo and just how traumatic that time was for my family and loved ones. Every step I took yesterday was in the hope that soon with the help of research other families should not have to go through similar pain and suffering.

I only have a month left to meet my fundraising goal and I'm $525 short. Please do help in anyway you can and pass this on to your friends and family. Your contribution will truly benefit a wonderful cause..

Yesterday, I had the honor of being bestowed with the 'Spirit Cape' by my team prior to our 14 mile training run.The cape reads '26.2 - it's easier than chemo'. As a survivor and a chemo recipient, I have firsthand experience and whole heartedly agree - the analogy for chemo I'd like to use is that it's like using poison to get rid of poisonous stuff'. The aches and pains in running a marathon doesn't even compare..

Cancer sucks - harms not just patient but their loved ones too. So much power to this dreaded disease - not fair! This is our turn to help strike it out. Back in 1977, the world eradicated Small Pox - this breakthrough came about as a result of dedicated research by brilliant scientists who were adequately supported in their mission. I would love for this decade to be the one for cancer eradication - promising research is in the works. We need to do our bit to help these pathbreaking discoveries. I strive by putting one foot ahead of another for 26 miles and raising awareness and funding. Help me and others in this goal.

To a world without cancer..