Never ever did I think I would be able to do 12 miles. Even writing it sounds daunting, but I did it!

Last Saturday (and after two weeks of non-stop work and travel!) I met up with Team In Training for the Train Run! Starting in Solana Beach, we took the train up to Oceanside. Simple, leave your car in S.B and run back to it! One minor problem, I hadn't ran in a bit because of work and the sun decided to shine warm and bright way too early.

All three Team In Training San Diego teams came together for the run. If the excitement and adrenaline for the Rock N' Roll is even half of what it was Saturday, I think I just might be officially addicted to half-marathons (for the moment...and yes 26 miles, I'm looking at you next!)

I'm still amazed at where life has taken me. The people that have become part of my everyday life, and traveling a road that was never part of the life plan. And yet, I couldn't be happier!

Teams are made up of individuals. Without them, there is no team.

Dear Friends and Family,

Many of you know, I have decided to run in a 1/2 marathon this summer as a way to support a great cause. For the next 4 months, I will be training for the San Diego Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon on Sunday, June 3rd, as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training.

I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling cancers. My mother lost the fight to cancer at too young of an age and I am running in honor of her. 2012 marks the 20th Anniversary of when she lost her fight with Cancer and every year we're progressing in research in finding a cure for this disease. I'll be running for those who have fought, those fighting and those who will have to fight.

If there is someone special to you battling Cancer, I would love to honor them by adding their name to my running shirt.

Please make a donation to support. If you cannot donate, please pass along my story to inspire others to contribute in their own way. We can all have our part in increasing awareness. You have been a special part of my life, either as a motivator, supporter, or even a stabilizer at times, so I already thank you tremendously.

Join me in this new challenge. I have set up a variety of ways for you to track my progress, successes and defeats and fundrasiging events throughout the next few months. Just click on one (or all of the icons) below to "follow," "friend," "subscribe," or "connect" with me. I would love to hear from you all! Thank you in advance for your support!

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Sometimes the greatest blessings can come from the most challenging of times. These photos were taken over the course of my two years living in Italy and traveling around Europe. I wanted to show the everyday life and culture of the people, wherever I went.

To see the complete photo selection, click here

All proceeds from sales of the photos will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team In Training. Each photo is $25 and includes size of choice and free shipping! All photos are printed on glossy print paper unless otherwise requested.

Size options: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 8x12, 11x14, 12x18, 8x8, 12x12, and 16x20. Requests and shipping information can be emailed to emily.provansal@gmail.com