Months of training, hours of fundraising and now it's time to run! I think my brow is already sweating and my hammies are already aching.

I truly have been blown away by the amount of support I've recieved from friends, familiy, co-workers and even complete strangers. I don't even know how to begin to thank everyone who came to "Wine Glasses & Running Shoes", who donated their time and services and who shared in one big cheers to really making a difference. My mentor Debbie (A TNT rockstar with great hair!) and I, along with her daughter Tina and granddaughter (yes, I can't believe that's possible either!), were able to raise over $1,000. For my first attempt at putting together a wine tasting-fundraising-birthday party, I am very impressed!

However, it didn't get me quite to my goal. I was sitting in my cubicle worried that I wasn't going to get the funds in time. That's when the company all email went out thanks to Eva the Diva! The subject line read "PLEASE HELP!" and man did my co-workers do just that! In just over an hour, almost $400 was raised! WOW.

This experience started out as me just wanting to cross the finish line and it has become so much more. This money is truly making a difference in the lives of people and families battling Leukemia & Lymphoma. I have met so many people through my Team in Training program who can attest for how this program and LLS has bettered their lives. It has given them a release, a support group, a light and hope. Thank you.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous for the race tomorrow. I know I will finish. I am just hoping it takes less than 8 hours. ha! Thanks for all the motivation you have given me. I know I'm really going to need it come mile 10. Here we go.....

I just turned my 31st birthday into an AWESOME fundraising event for LLS ! Yes, you read that right I have guilted all my friends into donations...my motto, no presents JUST CASH!

I'm feeling excited, overwhelmed, a little tired and somewhat delirious from all the planning but darn lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life that jump at the opportunity to help out! I've asked for a LOT of favors from a lot of friends, business associates and complete strangers. I can never express enough my thanks for those who went above and beyond. It is beyond what I ever expected!

Please join me in to celebrate on June 16th for Wine Glasses & Running Shoes!!! There are so many reasons to party you better be joining in. =) OH and if you have made a donation, please come as my guest! I would love to see you there!! Please do not hesitate to invite friends/family, all are welcome!!!!

Blisters, rain, a missing big toe nail (ewwwww) and jello legs have not kept me from my training. In terms of how my running is going, I'm right on schedule. It's amazing how the Team in Training minutes instead of miles has changed my entire perspective on running long distances. Can I run 7 miles? To be honest, that sounds awful. Can I run an hour? Absolutely. The second question makes the distance seem so much more achievable. I ran last night around Green Lake. I neared my starting point on the loop and thought, "What the heck? I might as well run around one more time." After 2 months of training with the Team and on my own, I have never felt more in shape. Now, I need to pick up the fundraising pace!

I just signed my recommitment papers. That means there is no turning back. I have made a promise to the families and to the nearly 958,000 Americans battling blood cancers we are going to help. Yes, my promise came from "us." I can't do this without you. I have 61% of my fundraising goal to go. Please donate to this very important cause. Please spread the word that this race is more about running. Please help us keep our promise.

I'm working on one big way to say thank you to everyone that donates so stay tuned! I'm thinking wine and party dresses should be involved. =) More info to come!

Thank you in advance for your generous donation and your encouragement! It truly means the world.

Brooke

Have you ever had to fill in the blank, "I am running in memory of ______________."

There are so many emotions that come along with that blank. It was not just sadness for me. It was also happiness in remembering who they were, pride in knowing they are smiling down on what I am trying to accomplish and strength from feeling that this is just one more way for their memory to live on.

I intially signed up for Team in Training because I wanted this to be the year I got in better shape. I became empowered when I realized that my race and my sweat was for so much more than just that.

I filled in the blank, "I am running in memory of my cousin Travis who lost his battle to stomach cancer, who is smiling down from heaven and who is an inspiration still to so many."

I am asking you to please help. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training is raising funds to beat cancer. To stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. If we can beat blood cancers, we will be able to eventually beat all cancers.

Please make a donation to support my participation in this fight.

Please check back for updates! I will be updating the page with info on my training, what I'm learning from the TNT professional coaches and all the other sweat and tears (obvisouly from physical pain! How long is a half marathon again?) that will come along with it.