I'm proud to be a member of Team in Training again this year--this time in honor of my friend Deena Heinrich.

This time around, I not only will be seeking to raise money for LLS while training for another 13.1 mile run through the streets of Miami--but I'll else be helping fellow teammates achieve their running and fundraising goals by serving as a mentor.

The reason why my TNT participation is most meaningful to me, though, is because this year, I will be running in honor of my friend Deena Heinrich, a smart, kind, loving mother to two small children who is battling breast cancer. LLS research leads to breakthroughs in the treatments of all kinds of cancer, including Deena's.

Click here to read Deena's story. Thinking of her will give me strength and inspiration every single time I lace up for a run.

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

Click here to read my blog about my running adventures--and to learn about my progress as I gear up for the Miami ING 2012 Half Marathon.