Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page for my first marathon, the Rock 'n' Roll in Seattle on June 27, 2009!

It seems like such a long time ago that I was updating everyone on my upcoming 8-mile run. I hadn't even hit the double digits yet, and that feat seems so far away. Since my last update, I have logged two 16-mile runs! I have seen the same stretch of Memorial practically every Saturday morning, and I can confidently tell you the glow of the Starbucks at 6:00 am is a pretty comforting feeling.

Right now, I'm less than two months away from running my first (and hopefully not last) marathon. Mentally preparing to run 26.2 miles is no easy feat, especially when I can feel my hamstrings start to twinge at the 14th mile. However, each of my teammates has different reasons that keep them going. For some, it's the knowledge that they will shortly complete a full marathon. For others, it's the joy they feel - not just with the runner's high, but also knowing that they're making a difference. For me, well, I have several reasons.

Each time I take a step, it's not just me that's propelling my body forward. It's every person who has supported me through this venture. It's every person who has said, "Wow! I can't believe you're doing this!" It's every person who says, "Are you nuts? Don't you want to sleep in on Saturday mornings?" It's every person who has donated to my fundraising efforts. Each and every bit of support, no matter the size, propels me forward when I just want to stop.

So far, with your generous help, I have raised almost $3,000 towards cancer research and advocacy for cancer patients. I hope to have completed my fundraising goal by June 10th. With your help, I am confident I can do it.

As for the updates on my biggest inspiration - my dad - so far, all signs are pointing to excellent progress. He has gone through several rounds of chemo, and he has handled it like a champ. On April 11th, he celebrated his birthday. As I told my running group that early morning, it is my sincere hope and wish that for his next birthday he has the gift of remission.

On behalf of myself, my family, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, thank you so very much for your support. As always, please feel free to forward this to your family, friends and co-workers. Stay tuned for more updates!