Let me start off by saying that I just got my first road bike a couple of weeks ago and I can barely swim. Quite frankly, I am terrified to swim this distance, especially in open water. I do know how to run though, so I guess one out of three isn't too bad, right!? GULP. I did what I thought was impossible with TNT by running 13.1 miles (twice.) Then I did what I really thought was impossible with TNT by running 26.2 miles.

So here I am. I have committed to train and fundraise for an Olympic distance triathlon in Lake George, NY. This consists of a .9 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run. I have also committed to raise an additional $1,500 for the LLS. Please consider making a donation to my continuous fight against cancer!

Two things have lead me to this decision. First off, many generous people on the cycling team "The Herd" came together and gifted me a new road bike out of the kindness of their hearts. I was beyond shocked and was truly at a loss for words. Since a TNT group gave me this incredible gift, I feel that I now need to give back to TNT and the LLS.

Secondly, as many of you know, I train and fundraise in memory of my best friend, my grandfather. My grandfather was an excellent swimmer and really a fish in the water. I remember spending summers at his friend's pool where as I was doing cannon balls, he would swim lap after lap. I think I can count on him to keep me afloat during this season and on race day!! He always told me "It feels so good when it stops hurting!" Those are the words I'm going to rely on through this triathlon training. The photos below are of me and my grandpa who I wish more than anything could see me achieve all of the goals I have set for myself. 

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Below is a photo of me finishing my first ride out on my new bike on 3/29!  There was no road rash and 31 miles were completed successfully. The other photo is the wetsuit that just arrived. I worked up a sweat just painting this thing on. They tell me this will make me more "buoyant." Here's to hoping!         

This will be my fourth TNT fundraising event. Previous to this event I have raised $11,442.95 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the fight against cancer. We haven't found a cure yet, so I will continue to do things I never thought possible!

Let's Get Creative...

I know I have friends and family all over the country. A perfect stranger even donated to represent Delaware! My goal is to get a donation from all 50 states. So far I have 21 states covered! Any donation amount counts. If you know anyone that lives in a "rare" state please pass this on to them! People have even started to "purchase" states that they have a connection to!

Each time I get a donation from a different state I will shade it in purple on my map and will post updates frequently. Let's color the country purple for Team In Training and the fight against cancer! Please help to spread the word!