Bacons for a Cause

Shop, Drink and Support the Bacons

2012-01-26T12:24:00.002-06:00

The Spring TNT Season is hosting a Silent Auction on February 7 at Cantina Laredo in Frisco. This event will help Will & I raise the funds needed as we train for the Austin Captex Olympic Triathlon in May 2012.

If you have never attended a TNT Silent Auction...it is a come & go event. You can come grab dinner, drinks, chat with friends and bid on Silent Auction items. You do not have to stay the entire evening unless you really want a certain item. So if you are planning a night out with friends...make it February 7 and come have a margarita. If you aren't bidding on items PLEASE tell them you are with Team in Training as they also count how many folks come in to eat that evening. If you don't want to eat and just want to bid on items that is ok too!

We should have a full list of items next week...but I know that there will be Texas Tornado tickets, Texas Legends tickets, Rough Riders merchandise, photography sessions, Scentsy products, TNT specific items, jewelry, hair stylist certificates, etc.

Last, if you aren't interested in the auction but would like to make a small donation to support Will and I please click here or the link to right.

GO TEAM!

Join Be the Match and Save a Life...FREE to register in January

2012-01-24T06:30:00.001-06:00

On average, more than 54,000 new potential donors join the Be The Match Registry each month; 6,500 of those new members join online via the “Join Now” web page. The grant from American Express will offset some of the associated costs for adding those who join online...normally the cost is around $50 for the kit so this is a big saving...in more ways than one!

When you join the Be The Match Registry, you are joining to help any patient in need of a bone marrow donor. As a volunteer, you are never under any legal obligation to donate and your decision is respected. However, a late decision not to donate can be life-threatening to a patient, so please think seriously before deciding to join!

You can give hope to patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases. Patients especially need you if you are between the ages of 18 and 44. That's because younger donors produce more and higher-quality cells than older donors.

The American Express Foundation has provided a grant to cover some of the costs associated with joining the registry online for the month of January. Service to its customers and to the community has been a hallmark of American Express throughout its 160-year history.

And joining the registry is easy...it’s a swab of your cheek!

JOIN NOW and SAVE A LIFE

I have a Dream.

2012-01-16T10:52:00.007-06:00

We all have a "dream"...right? Or even dreams. In another word we all have goals or aspirations. They may be personal or professional. They may be level-headed and within reach or they may be outrageous and far-fetched. But what makes them special and unique is they are OUR dreams...our goals...our aspirations for how we want to live our life or what we want to attain in that lifetime.

To me personally...a dream is more of something I cannot control...something I want and something I pray for but yet I as an individual...I cannot make it happen.

I have a dream... that one day we will have a cure for cancer. That no parent would ever lose their child to cancer nor child lose their parent.
I received this quote by Martin Luther King Jr in an email from my daughter's elementary school Friday afternoon:

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”

I immediately paused to answer the question and the first thing that came to mind is our involvement with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training. It has been the one consistent charity that we have stayed dedicated too since 1994 when Allie was diagnosed but even more so in the last two years as we have really understood how many children are truly affected by blood cancers. And many of those children we have a personal connection with.

We are PROUD to say that LLS is our charity to raise money for because they are truly dedicated to their mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

LLS has proven this again and again especially in the last decade..."Of 39 new cancer drugs approved by the FDA in the past decade, almost half (19) were approved for patients with blood cancers. Five have already been approved and 13 are commonly used as treatments for other cancer patients. All 19 drugs are being tested for patients beyond those for whom they were first developed, including 11 that show promise for patients with solid tumors and non-malignant diseases. An investment in blood cancer research is an investment in all cancer."

Blood cancer research IS a gateway to new therapies for ALL cancers!

So in the end...I ask what is YOUR dream? What are YOU doing to HELP OTHERS?

Can you easily answer those questions?

Those of you who have donated....thank you for your amazing support! Your donation demonstrates to those fighting this awful disease...the very importance of thinking and caring about others.

For those who have yet to donate...please consider making a donation today. It takes less than 5 minutes and any amount is appreciated.

Help show someone how much you care!

Same Mission + New Year = New Event

2012-01-03T05:57:00.005-06:00

THE BACONS ARE BACK!

Same Mission...New Year....but.....I told you this was coming...Will and I officially signed up for The Capital of Texas Olympic Distance TRIATHLON -- 1.5k swim • 40k bike • 10k run. That means we will both be swimming just shy of 1 mile, cycling 24.85 miles and finishing with a 6 mile run!

Why? Well, first, I have always wanted to complete a tri but when I heard a month ago that Grayson (my new honored hero) went from low-risk to high-risk and would have to endure much more intensive chemo...I knew that if his tiny body had to endure all that... that I could endure 3x the training. And second, because we are passionate about Team in Training and determined to find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. Better treatments means improving the quality of life for patients and their families as well...because those patients are our loved ones & honored heros.

I am still training and running the Dallas Rock & Roll Half Marathon on March 25 but I will begin TRI training in February along with Will. Two events... technically 3 when you count Will means more money for research! And we need more research!

Did you know? Blood cancer research has always been a gateway to new therapies for all cancers. Of 39 new cancer drugs approved by the FDA in the past decade, almost half (19) were approved for patients with blood cancers. Five have already been approved and 13 are commonly used as treatments for other cancer patients. An investment in blood cancer research is an investment in ALL CANCER!

Together we must raise $3750...so PLEASE click here to view our donation page or click the fundraising widget on the right and make a donation in support of our efforts and help advance the research for cures!

Don't know what to donate...we've got some suggestions:

$32 for the total miles I will cover in the triathlon (51.5 kilometers)
$17 in honor of Allie's 17 years in remission
$12 for Georgia celebrating her 12th birthday in December
$6 for Grayson celebrating his 6th birthday in November

No amount is too small...we truly appreciate any amount and so do our honored heros!

17 Celebrations & ICECREAM!

2011-12-15T06:18:00.001-06:00

Today, December 15, 2011, marks Allie's 17th year in remission...so we celebrate her life! The photo above was taken this summer in Hawaii with her family...and that handsome young man next to her is her younger brother - Andrew.

Allie is beautiful inside and out and I can't wait to see the path her life takes as she soon will embark on a new journey in 2012...Allie will graduate high school and has her goal set on becoming a nurse so she may help others!

So, if you'd like to do something to CELEBRATE and that will benefit another child battling cancer join us for ICECREAM tomorrow - December 16 at Marble Slab (Frisco/Little Elm border) from 3pm to 9pm (2831 Eldorado Parkway) to help out our honored hero Grayson!

Marble Slab will be donating a portion of the profits to Grayson's family : )

Cupcakes & Dimples

2011-11-15T05:43:00.001-06:00

So who loves CUPCAKES?

Well here is your opportunity to eat cupcakes and feel good about it. On Sunday, November 20 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm you may go to Dimples Cupcake Factory in Frisco Square and purchase cupcakes and a percentage will go towards helping Grayson and his family!

If you didn't read Grayson's blog last week...there was a bump in the road. Grayson's status was changed from low-risk to high-risk which means he will have to endure a more intensive chemotherapy plan. This is not the kind of news his family wanted to hear nor any of us.

Please help us support them and EAT CUPCAKES! And a huge THANK YOU to Dimples for their support of this awesome family!

Green "Gray"celets!

2011-11-08T17:01:00.004-06:00

Grayson's favorite color is GREEN...so I ordered GREEN "Gray"celets to show support for Grayson and his family.

How do you get a GREEN Team Gray"celet"?

If you donate a minimum of $5.00 to my Team in Training account I will mail you 2 bracelets. If you donate more...I can mail you more. It is that easy! Click on the link above or the fundraising widget on the right-side of the page to DONATE NOW!

Please note that your donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is tax-deductible. 75% of the money raised goes directly to research & patient services. If you want to know what that money has funded recently please read this post about Dr. Larry Kwak who was named TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People," for his role in advancing custom-made vaccines for patients with lymphoma.

GO TEAM! GO GRAYSON!

A Perfect Weekend

2011-11-08T05:18:00.008-06:00

This weekend was packed full of GOOD things:

1) First, Grayson, my honored hero was home from the hospital after spending 36 out of 45 days there. Kalee (his mom) said they got to spend a lazy weekend all together which brought lots of smiles and laughter.

Wanna know what a HERO looks like? Check him out below before being released from the hospital. The image of him taking his own medicine bought back a flood of memories of Allie towards the end of her treatment when she was old enough to hold the syringe herself. Children are resilient when it comes to battling cancer. Not to mean they don't have bad days...but they adapt quickly to a "new normal".

2) Allie, my 17 year old niece, completed the 2011 Susan G Komen Dallas 3 day walk with her teacher...60 miles in 3 days! We cheered for her on Saturday and then went to the closing ceremony Sunday. It is a huge event...which raised $7 million.

She walked in honor of my Mom who celebrated 20 years of being a breast cancer survivor on June 25. She also walked in honor of two other women who are friends of their family & her teacher's Aunt. Doesn't she look awesome after walking 60 miles? I am so proud of her! Stay tuned because Allie will be telling about her 3 day journey on the blog soon!

3. Last, I ran DRC Half marathon on Sunday morning. It was new event for me and one I probably wasn't fully prepared for. Chicago full was about 4 weeks ago and my training has been sporadic since, but I wanted to run it anyway. Jessica ran it as well along with David & Meg. Jessica and I stayed together for the duration of the race. She was coming off a 32 mile week already. Her increased miles coupled with my decreased miles made for an interesting race to say the least. The course was hilly...for some reason I thought it was going to be flat. At about mile 10 I just wanted to be done and when that happens I think about my honored heros and I also thought about Allie walking the final 15 miles of her journey with blistered feet...so I pushed on the best I could. I'm actually pretty proud of my finishing time (2:13:30) because it was just shy of my PR at Dallas RnR this past March (2:12:46). Granted I know in running 44 seconds can mean a lot but to me...I ran 44 seconds shy of my PR on a course that (to me) was much harder.

One last note, most of you know that Georgia comes along on all my long runs & races in the form of her orange "Keepin Georgia on your Mind" bracelet. Well I wanted to bring Grayson along too...I've ordered some green (his fav color) Team Grayson bracelets but they hadn't arrived, so I went with a green rubberband instead. Grayson ran his first 13.1 miles! That coupled with him home with his family made for a perfect weekend!

This one's for Grayson

2011-10-19T21:33:00.003-05:00

This past August my daughter, Abi, started kindergarten. And my niece, Allie, started her senior year. Most of you know how close Allie and I are...so I thought it was perfect that as Abi started her educational journey...Allie would be finishing hers. As a mother and a teacher...this was an exciting & happy time. Her year started along with roughly 120 other happy (and nervous) kinder students at her school. But in late September after about six weeks of school...I found out that one of those kindergartener was diagnosed with leukemia. His name is Grayson. And his mom...a fellow teacher at that elementary school.

My heart broke, tears flowed and new honored hero was added to our family's mission. I had to find a way to help.

I just finished running the Chicago marathon...it wasn't a Team in Training (TNT) event but I always run for my honored heros. They are the reason I run. So as Abi and I decorated the sign I wear on my back...she added Grayson's name to it.

So I'm at it again...I signed up for spring season with TNT and will fundraise in Grayson's honor. The event for spring is the Dallas Rock & Roll Half Marathon on March 25. The money raised goes towards research and patient services...research that will help discover more effective treatments for leukemia and eventually find a cure!

Allie's the reason I got involved with TNT and over the past 11 years we've met too many children with cancer...like Grayson. But Allie has been blessed...she will celebrate 17 years of remission this December. I want that for Grayson and his family!

Please consider helping me in my mission & donating in Grayson's honor. My goal is to raise $800. Not sure what to give? Or think it might not be enough? Well, every dollar helps...

Donate $5.00 in honor of Grayson being 5 and fighting cancer.
Donate $13.00 in honor of me running 13.1 miles for him.
Donate $17.00 in honor of Allie celebrating 17 years in remission.
or donate more if you can...just click the link below

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/rnrdall12/dbacon - My fundraising page

You can read more about Grayson by visiting his blog.

Much love & thanks! GO TEAM!

What Moves You?

2011-10-16T20:11:00.003-05:00

WHAT MOVES YOU?

In one word...Cancer...that is what keeps me moving. Specifically...kids with cancer. And it all started almost 17 years ago this November when Allie was diagnosed with leukemia.

We've come a LONG LONG way!

Last month Allie submitted her story to Little Guy Movers which is a moving company in Denton. But the story, of course, isn't that simple. I have a connection to them as well...my connection to Little Guy Movers goes back to 1997 when they helped me move after college...see there was a Little Guy Movers in San Marcos and Denton! And they helped me move again a couple years later. Little did I know they would play a part in our lives much later down the road and it would have nothing to do with moving.

Little Guy Movers has a community project that helps individuals and organizations in need. So as I said before Allie submitted her story...that she was a baby when diagnosed with leukemia and now as a teen she wants to help others. She told them she had not only raised money for LLS/TNT by completing the 2009 White Rock Relay and the 2010 White Rock Half Marathon but was now training and fundraising for the Susan G Komen 3 day with her ASL teacher. If your story is selected it goes up against 2 other stories and over the course of 30 days people vote on the one that "moves them" the most. And Allie's story was selected!

So Allie went up again two other stories...the one that played the biggest part was an organization called the Cupcake Crew who actually helps individuals like Allie. The battle for votes was a long one...Allie would surge ahead and then the Cupcake Crew would catch up and vice versa. It went like that for the entire 30 days up until the last second...literally!

The outcome...well technically Allie lost by 1 vote in the final seconds...but the owners of Little Guy Movers called her when the voting closed and gave her some awesome news. They had never seen voting like this on their site and it had NEVER been such a close race that they were awarding $1000 to BOTH Allie and the Cupcake Crew. Woohoo!

I have to say I'm impressed by their actions...Little Guy Movers definitely knows what moves our family and that is the fight against cancer...any kind!

So if you need movers PLEASE check out Little Guy Movers...they definitely deserve the business of our friends and family.

ps...With the $1000 the Cupcake Crew received they will now officially be able to get their 501(c)3 status. So if you are in the Murfreesboro, TN area please check them out!

Time...to Just Keep Swimming

2011-10-14T16:45:00.002-05:00

"A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time. Virtually everyone who tries the marathon has put in training over months, and it is that exercise and that commitment, physical and mental, that gives meaning to the medal, not just the day’s effort, be it fast or slow. It's all in conquering the challenge."

I read this quote 2 days after I ran the Chicago Marathon...it was written on a teammates' FB page by another teammate. The quote is from Mary Wittenberg, the CEO and President of the New YorkRoadRunners who oversees the NYC Marathon and other running events.

Time...well isn't that what Chicago was all about? Likewise, the burning question many ask when you finish a marathon is "what was your time?" It isn't a bad question to ask, really...its legitimate...I

mean why on earth do people go out and run 26.2 miles? That's a long way to run. Runners for the most part are time-oriented. Do I have enough time for a run? How many miles can I get in during this time? Did my time improve from my last 5k, 10k, half? I could go on...

The dictionary defines "time" as the system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future; indefinite continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another.

For me Chicago was about time...it was my race...the one I've trained, sweated and cried over for the last 9 months. When all is said and done...I missed my goal by 2 minutes and 37 seconds. My official finisher time is 5:02:37. Am I upset? Yes, because I made a goal and I didn't make it happen and that falls on me. Am I disappointed in myself? No.

I started running in August, 2009 with Team in Training. I've estimated that I've logged roughly 348 days of running and about 1044 miles in 2 years and 3 months. This coming from someone who hadn't ever run a consecutive mile in her life...at least not one that I remember. So when I go back in time and look at it that way...I think I've got a lot to be proud of...I can now say I'm a runner. Chicago was also my 3rd full marathon all in 1 year! From Marine Corp Marathon to White Rock to Chicago I shaved off 31 minutes!

I won't go into detail about the 5 hours I was on the course...mainly because I don't recall all of it. I vividly remember how packed the course is with 45,000 runners on it and trying to find a place to zone out was difficult. Robin and I ran together the majority of the race...we separated in the last 4 miles. I've said it before but I will again...having a friend next to you in a marathon is priceless...comfort beyond words. I remember seeing Will and Ken (Robin's husband) at Mile 13. Seeing Will on the course always gives me a lift. Then at Mile 18 I saw my family...tears of joy. Abi and Beau were handing out skittles and pretzels...I was so proud of them. I remember my iPod dying at Mile 19.

After 19...I was tired and without music to help me zone out. I looked at my orange "Georgia" bracelet and words that would get me through the next 7 miles came to me..."Just Keep Swimming". It is what Courtney (Georgia's Mom) has said the last year or so... "Just keep swimming ..." is a pretty good motto, especially in the fight against cancer, so that's what Georgia's going to do. Just keep swimming, and before we know it, the summer will be over, primary treatment will be over, and she'll be back in school with

all the other little fish, where she belongs. " So I just kept swimming to the finish line because if Georgia and all the other children I know can fight cancer I can finish my race!

And in the end that's what is was about...it's not about the time...it's about why I started running. I started running to celebrate Allie's 15th year in remission and I just kept going because it breaks my heart to see a child with cancer.

In closing...I'd have to say the best part of the weekend was the last morning we were there. My grandparents have lived in the same house for 56 years. I've spent countless holidays there and I can close my eyes and visualize every inch of that house especially the photos I took on that front porch. This weekend was the first time that Allie, Andrew, Abi and Beau all gathered in that house together. My grandfather passed away 6 years ago this month but I know he had to be smiling down on us and I know it made my Grandma overjoyed to have us there.

Windy City & Gray Skies

2011-10-05T11:59:00.003-05:00

Race week is here...almost over actually and I'm headed to the Windy City tomorrow for the 2011 Chicago Marathon. As always I've prepared as much as I can...I've read everything (twice)...I've trained, planned, packed...done it all. I'm ready and for the first time, in all honesty, I think I have a real chance at making my goal a reality. So we'll see...whatever happens on race day is beyond my control. I have to relinquish that control to the man above. And since not being in control is something I'm always working on...I'm hoping that my faith, belief and trust will help me on Sunday when I need it the most. The motto of this year's Chicago Marathon..."Let's Run Together"...is fitting as my honored heros are always on my mind & running with me.

What I couldn't control was that my little girl got sick this week : ( She missed 3 days of school and has been running a fever all week. Those who know me well...know that this caused an incredible amount of worry. My mind often drifts to the worst case scenario (something else I have to work on). It definitely put a damper on the week and altered some training plans but as long as she is on the mend I will be good.

On the subject of children...I want to ask for some special prayers for a kinder friend of my daughter. Last week we found out that a boy in the room next to her was diagnosed with leukemia. I don't personally know his family but children like him are why I run. His name is Grayson. He is 5 and in kinder...what should be an exciting time for him and his family but instead they heard the words no parents wants to hear. BUT I have some good news...Grayson is in an elite group of children with leukemia...his body has responded so well to chemo that after 8 days of treatment he is considered to be in remission! Now...he still has to endure 2.5-3 years of treatment like the majority of children with 'ALL' but this is a really good sign. To learn more about Grayson please click him name and it will direct you to his blog - When Skies are Gray.

So until Sunday...send prayers for safe travels, healthy bodies, quick legs and most of all comfort to Grayson and his family!

9 + Peer Pressure = 22.1 miles

2011-09-19T21:18:00.001-05:00

This weekend was full of running to say the least...22.1 miles to be exact. I didn't plan it that way but peer pressure got the best of me : )

In all honesty, the marathon training schedule calls for a 20 mile run 3 weeks before race day and Sunday was exactly 3 weeks out from Chicago Marathon. But two weeks ago Robin and I ran our 20 mile training run. It was hard...not gonna lie. It wasn't the best of training runs we've had but we got through it. So with three weeks out I needed a confidence booster.

Jessica, Tony (Jessica's Dad) and Serene had signed up for the Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon. And like all good running friends...Jessica and Serene applied a good amount of peer pressure to sign up. So not wanting to feel left out and using the excuse that it would be a great 'training' race I signed up...on Saturday. Yes, the day before! Not to mention that Saturday is our TEAM run day so I ran 6 miles with the team and finished it off with a 3 mile walk with Allie. (Yep 9 miles the day before the race!)

I had no idea what the race course would be like but I was determined to at least run a decent race. I needed to log these miles and I needed to feel good about it. I ran a good amount of the course with Serene and we had a great time catching up. The course had some rolling hills...not horrible but not what I was hoping for.

But when it came down to it...I crossed the finish line and I was happy! It wasn't my best time nor my worst but all in all I had a great day. I was happy with my average pace and am hoping to carry that forward to Chicago. What made it even better...Will and the kids decided to come to the festival and were at the finish line!

And when I got home from work today...I had a surprise in the mail. My Chicago Marathon confirmation ticket! 18 days to go and I think I'm ready.

September...should be like October!

2011-09-11T20:50:00.007-05:00

I've been pretty quiet these last couple weeks...but today I got fired up again. Our new winter team had our Honored Hero Luncheon and we had a fantastic turn out! It was great to get together with teammates outside of running clothes and share friendship and food!

I was reminded today that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and I have a wish. That wish is that the month of September would be just as big as the month of October in that October is "pink-ed out" supporting breast cancer. Don't get me wrong...I support breast cancer research. My Mom is a 20 year survivor and I never want to have to go through what she did nor would I want my daughter, niece or anyone else I know. However, I want the same support for children enduring cancer. Everyone who reads my blogs knows that children with cancer pulls at my heartstrings more than anything else. It is heart-wrenching to see a child endure cancer!

Please help me support fellow teammates as they fundraise and train to find a cure. If someone asks you for donation...please give! Even $5.00 means the world to that person asking! Incredible, kind and giving people have joined our TEAM this season...one of our coaches said it best last week "We are pushing our bodies to meet new challenges, and raising funds for life-saving research. Whether we knew someone that had been touched by a blood cancer before we joined, or if we met them along the way, we all have some connection to the cause. Every step we take, every training mile we log, and every dollar that we raise makes a difference in someone’s life. "

So please help us make a difference in someone's life...especially the life of a child!

GO TEAM!

Winter has arrived...well almost!

2011-08-19T06:08:00.001-05:00

TEAM IN TRAINING Winter season kicked off last Sunday and our 1st official group training is tomorrow, August 20. This season I am the Honored Hero Captain and very excited about it!

Each participant comes to TNT for their own reason...some lost a loved one to cancer, they know someone currently fighting cancer, they want to make a difference & fundraise for a charity or simply for the physical fitness aspect. Whatever their reason we are glad they joined and look forward to seeing each of them CROSS THE FINISH LINE!

This season we have three TEAM honored heros - Phillip Endres, Allie Ciulla & James Berg. I have blogged about each of them before, so click on their names if you'd like to read more.

GO TEAM!

Join me in Creating a World Without Cancer...

2011-07-27T07:46:00.005-05:00

I probably don't need to tell you how serious cancer is...these days everyone has someone close to them who has been affected by this awful disease. When it comes to blood cancers did you know that every four minutes, someone new is diagnosed with blood cancer and every 10 minutes someone dies? Leukemia is the #1 disease killer of children.

You can make a difference by joining me and training for a full or half marathon this winter season - info meetings start this week and kick off is August 14! To learn more about what awesome events are this coming season check out the events page.

I also want to update you on one of our honored heros from Winter 2010 season...Philip. Remember him from my post last season? Well Philip had his port removed yesterday and that means he is at the end of his treatment. And to top it off he was a big brother earlier this summer. Lots of good things happening for Philip and his family...God Bless them all.

Children like Philip are why I stay committed to Team in Training. Seeing them reach this milestones and live a healthy life is the ultimate reward for all the long miles and sweat that goes into training.

I look forward to meeting new participants and honored heros this season.

GO TEAM!

A Half Dozen + 1 Request

2011-06-21T21:05:00.004-05:00

So Sunday, June 12 marked my 6th half marathon - Wounded Warrior in Las Colinas, Texas. This was the 2nd annual Wounded Warrior half marathon and it was started to honor men and women of the military and help raise money for the Semper Fi Fund, which provides assistance to Marines & Sailors injured in post 9-11 combat, and ReserveAid, which gives financial support to Reserve Service Members from all branches of the military. It is an incredible cause and after running Marine Corp Marathon last October I would run almost any event benefiting the Semper Fi Fund.

Needless to say it was HOT. I ran the event with several friends - Meg, Serene, Jessica, myself, Robin and Tammy (in order). We didn't all stay together but it is nice to know you have some buddies out there feeling what you are feeling...hot, tired and ready to see that finish line. The course is relatively flat and fast...but again it was HOT and its Texas in the summer! It wasn't my best time but it wasn't my worst so I'm proud of that. Around mile 9-ish if I recall correctly I found myself really "digging deep" because the sun was beating down and at that point there wasn't any shade. I always wear my orange Georgia bracelet on long training runs or race days...and as I circled it on my wrist several times it gave me that extra boost I needed for that final 3 miles. I crossed the finish line with a big smile, thanked the ROTC gentleman who handed me my shiny new medal and said a little prayer that I made it without needing a medic!

On a more serious note...my prayers honestly went out to the men & women who serve our country and give us the very freedom who allow us to be able to run freely & safely in this country. Secondly, they go out to my honored heros...like Georgia who are strong & courageous in their battle with cancer. Georgia continues to do well and for that I am so very thankful. However, I (and Allie) have another honored hero, Morgan, who could really use your prayers...so this is where my request comes in. Morgan, who just accepted her high school diploma less than a month ago, has been battling leukemia since December of 2009. Morgan is from Frisco and her and Allie became fast friends. Allie volunteers for many of Morgan's fundraising events and tries to see her whenever she in in Frisco visiting. Today Morgan was admitted into the hospital and directly into ICU. Allie doesn't know much more than that but Morgan's mom posted on FB and asked for prayers so if you can add her to your prayer list we would greatly appreciate it.

Here's to another half dozen...or more...until we find a cure!

Can we Outrun Cancer?

2011-06-10T16:06:00.005-05:00

Shortly after I started running in July of 2009 and came back to TNT to tackle marathon training I subscribed to Runner's World magazine. I love it and I look forward to it coming every month in the mail. I read it cover to cover. Well this month I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it to find an entire article dedicated to "outrunning cancer" and it talks about TEAM IN TRAINING!

The article showcases what a difference individuals can make by running for the cause and shares inspiring stories highlighting cancer survivors!

In the article TNT is mentioned frequently! In fact it points out TNT has raised more than 1 billion dollars since 1988. What's most exciting is the mention of our funding of research that led to the development of the breakthrough cancer drug Gleevec. First approved to treat patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia, it's now being tested for patients with breast, ovarian and prostate cancer as well as nerve, brain and small cell lung cancers. And Gleevec is also being tested on melanoma and other diseases. Will and I have trained beside teammates who currently take Gleevec...they're alive...running and cycling today because of this drug.

There is even a feature on Dr. Brian Druker...the doctor who developed Gleevec with funding in part by TNT! Here's what he had to say about TNT:

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recognized the opportunity with Gleevec," Dr. Drucker says. "They were willing to take a chance on our work. Unfortunately, researchers today are basically in the same position as we were a decade ago. If anything, it's even more difficult for novel research to gain federal funding. We're more reliant than ever on private non-profits like LLS."

So can we OUTRUN CANCER? I honestly don't know. Will says I have an unhealthy fear of cancer...and I do. But I'm willing to give it my best try...so my children nor myself ever have to battle this disease or lose a loved one to it. So I'm willing to keep training and keep fundraising if it helps save my life, my child's, a loved one or even a perfect stranger!

I'm proud to WEAR the color PURPLE to most events. I'll be wearing it this Sunday, June 12 as I run the Wounded Warrior Half marathon with my TNT friends. And I'm proud to be a part of THE TEAM! The TEAM that will one day bring down the ugly monster we call cancer...one mile at a time!

A Hero's Wings...

2011-05-24T06:29:00.002-05:00

I have not posted since May 10...when I spoke of Andrew Small and his courageous battle with cancer. It is with a very heavy heart this morning that I share that Andrew was granted his angel wings yesterday, May 23.

I do not personally know the Small family but we know their friends...Please join me in praying for his family and friends during this difficult time.

Read more about Andrew's journey.

Mother's Day - Mother's Fears - Mother's Prayers

2011-05-10T11:50:00.003-05:00

I've been debating and struggling to write this post for a couple days...mainly because I'm not sure part of the story is mine to share nor do I have the words to get it out. But my goal of this blog is simply to bring awareness and share Will and I's journey as we train for different events. Right now neither of us are in the "heat" of major training. I am signed up for the Chicago full marathon so come June my training will pick up considerly. But right now I'm mentoring summer season and I've been posting each week about our honored heros...this past Saturday we did not have our typically mission moment but there will be a mission moment towards the end of this post.

Sunday was Mother's day and if you saw my facebook post it was the BEST. MOTHERS. DAY. EVER. I got to sleep in (till 8:15), woke to quiet, smiling, healthy children who were so eager to have me open their mothers day cards, we went to church, had brunch, swam for the first time in our pool with friends, ordered pizza and finally called it a night by saying prayers and kissing tired little heads. I think that is one of the best days I've ever had since I became a mother. Absolutely perfect. I felt so very blessed...it just doesn't get much better.

Later that night I climbed into bed with the iPad and checked some of the sites/blogs I follow. Right now I've been keeping up with Andrew Small...he is a family friend of Georgia, our friend and honored hero in Austin. Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia on in July 2005 at the age of 5 and he received a Bone Marrow Transplant from his sister. He did well for four years and then in April 2010 a mass was found in his brain. It's a mother's worst fear to hear the words, "your child has cancer"...it is heartbreaking for me to hear stories such as this one week after week but it continues to push me to put one foot in front of the other mile after mile and it makes me want to continue to tell everyone about Team in Training's mission and how it helps find new treatments.

Unfortunately, the update on Andrew's caringbridge site that evening brought me to tears. I knew he wasn't doing well but the first line...well I don't have the words. This morning his parents posted another update which is the reason I made the decision to post. My heart aches for Andrew and his family. I won't even try to understand what they are going through...it is not my place but I can offer my prayers and I can ask others to pray for them. So that is what I'm asking each of you who reads this blog...please pray for the Small family.

Who you calling trashy?

2011-05-02T13:27:00.004-05:00

Sunday was the first event for our summer team...we had 10 team members participating in the Heels and Hills HALF marathon. Overall there were 150 TNT participants from the surrounding areas. Jessica, Robin and I decided not to run the event but instead go out to support all the runners and walkers.

We met at 6:30am at a grocery store...and as we were all loading into my car it started to rain...not a good sign for race day. I quickly went into the store and bought a pack of trash bags. Yes, large black trash bags...they are a runner's saving grace on race day when its cold or raining. You'd be suprised at how warm they keep you and obviously will keep you dry. Plus they are completely disposable unlike a $50 running jacket you don't want to toss or ruin.

And come to find out they work really well for supporters too as seen above! The only negative about the trash bag...you couldn't see our TEAM IN TRAINING shirts.

On a more serious note...CONGRATULATIONS to all the runners/walkers who completed Sunday's event. It was definitely not an easy morning. The event was stopped several times and participants had to take cover due to the rain and storms. Our TNT participants in Oklahoma City at the OK City Memorial full and half marathon endured the same conditions...so hats off to them as well. We are very proud of each of you!

Train Endure Achieve Matter!

GO TEAM!

Honored Hero: Georgia

2011-04-30T00:00:00.002-05:00

It was my turn again for another mission moment this season at training...this Saturday I was speaking about Georgia, one of Will and I's friends & honored heros! Many of you have already met Georgia on our blog last year. Will cycled, not one but TWO century rides in her honor in 2010.

It was fitting that I would be speaking about her this Saturday because her Mom just announced on their blog that Friday, April 29 marked 1 year till the END of Georgia's treatment...yes only 365 more days!

For those that don't know Georgia's story...she was diagnosed in December of 2009 about a week after she turned 10. She quickly started treatment and at the 30 day mark she was in remission which is huge! Georgia has tolerated treatment relatively well with few bumps in the road. Her family is dedicated to her care, helping others and finding a cure like so many of us.

One of the biggest accomplishments was this past spring when Georgia was chosen as Girl of the Year for the Austin chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

And as her mom said, "our girl is a fierce cancer warrior....and quite the advocate as well!" They have raised funds for LLS/TNT, LiveStrong, St. Baldricks, CureSearch and so much more!

Will and I are proud to call them our friends and even more proud to raise funds in her name!

GO TEAM! GO GEORGIA!

Honored Hero: Dee

2011-04-23T18:01:00.003-05:00

Dee & Blair Casey are on our summer team and Dee gave the mission moment this Saturday. Dee is a Lymphoma survivor and will be running her first HALF marathon this coming Sunday along side her husband!

GO TEAM!

A boy named Griffin...

2011-04-17T12:53:00.003-05:00

Saturday's mission moment was given by Jessica. I first met Jessica through Team in Training in winter '09. It took us almost the entire season to strike up a conversation but after that we've been friends since and this is our 2nd season mentoring together. Jessica's mission moment is below...typed in her words.
When I first started this in 2009, like a lot of people, I did not have any type of connection to the cause. I was a member of a Moms Group and it was suggested that some of us put together relay teams for The White Rock Marathon and fundraise for Team In Training. Most of my friends did not know what TNT was but I did. I also knew that there was NO WAY this group of moms could run 6 or 7 miles. I knew what it takes to be a runner and I knew that we didn’t have it. It’s hard. Really hard. And I knew this not because I am or was a runner but because I’ve been exposed to running and races my entire life. My dad is a runner. All his friends are runners. Not occasional runners. Good runners. Fast runners. All of our family vacations were planned around marathons. He ran Boston and New York often. He always BQ’d (Boston Qualified) and was over 50 with a finish time well below 3:30 (New York’s requirements). Again, he is good.

So when my friends suggested we do this I thought they were out of their mind. Crazy. A few of us exercised regularly (not me of course) but none of us had ever run. So with no intention of signing up, I reluctantly went to the TNT informational meeting. I listened to the coach tell how anyone could so this. Still not convinced. I listened to a mentor say how fundraising is not as hard as it seems. Still no go. And then Monique Yarbrough got up to talk about her connection to the cause…

I remember her words like she said them yesterday. “My name is Mo and I am here to tell you about a boy named Griffin.” Her son Griffin was 2 when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He was 6 when he lost his battle with cancer. All I could think about was my son Grant, 6 at the time. That I get to go home and kiss him goodnight and that Mo didn’t. That here she is telling us why she walks and raises money. It hit me so deep. Would I be this brave if the roles were reversed? Could I do what she was doing? I don’t know. But I could figure out a way to run and raise money. So as I’m crying for this woman I have never met, I signed up. Because of Mo’s story - Griffin’s story – I committed to run not the relay but a half marathon.

And then I get home and have a bit of buyers remorse. What have I done? What have I gotten myself into? I decide I need to run a few miles before actual training starts. Just so I don’t embarrass myself. I didn’t make it 2 minutes before I had to stop. It was horrible. I wanted to quit before I even started. But I went to the first training anyway. Again, very reluctantly. And it just so happened that Mo was there. Telling her story. And that was it. I never looked back.

This is now my forth season with Team in Training. I have completed 9 half marathons and 1 FULL marathon. Somewhere along the way I realized I was getting just as much from TNT as I was giving to it. Maybe more. I have a great life. A wonderful and supportive family. But TNT filled a hole in my life that I did not realize was there. It is such an amazing feeling to be a part of something that helps so many lives. Something that is so much bigger than you. I will be forever grateful that I was “forced” to go to that TNT meeting.

Go TEAM! -

Jessica

Honored Hero: Jack

2011-04-11T20:43:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday's mission moment was given by Deb Duffy. She is the neighbor of our summer coach, Charlene. Deb and her family's journey is the reason why Charlene got involved with Team in Training and continues to coach. This is Jack's story...told in part from Deb's speech on Saturday and also from his father's fundraising page...he is training for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride this June with TNT. He has raised $9,092.00 already. Their fight to find a cure is inspiring!

On August 9, 2002, the Duffy's son, Jack, was diagnosed with ALL - acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was 7 months old. They were told that Jack was high risk because of his age and high white count. Their journey started immediately...including chemotherapy, numerous hospital stays, almost daily doctor visits, spinal taps, central lines, ports, blood & platelet transfusions...AND this was just the first year.

Jack went into remission but the leukemia came back almost immediately after treatment stopped. The Duffy's only option at that point was a bone marrow transplant. Fortunately Jack's older brother, Ryan, was a perfect match! The bone marrow treatment consisted of even higher doses of chemotherapy and full body radiation. The transport went smoothly; however, the leukemia came back again. After just under 2 years of fighting the disease...Jack lost his battle with leukemia on November 17, 2004.

The Duffy's lives were forever changed. This year, 2011, Jack would be 9 years old. The Duffy's say although the journey had lots of tears, pain and sorrow, it also had laughter, joy and happiness. They attribute that to Jack's spirit. His father said that, "the most part he fought his battle with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart. He fought so hard and squeezed as much life out as he could in the short time he was here." Jack's story personally hit home for me...Allie was the same age when she was diagnosed with leukemia but her outcome was much different. It is truly heartbreaking to hear parents tell their story about losing their child to cancer...the fighting, the praying, the worry...the unknown year after year during treatment and after.

What I ask of those reading this is to PLEASE pass on Jack's story as well as the stories of all our honored heros...share this blog with anyone who will read it. Most important if you are every approached by someone with Team in Training who is training for an endurance event PLEASE donate to them...every single $1 counts. A $5.00 donation means the world to that person...it says I believe in you and I want to help you find a cure so no child has to endure treatment and no parent has to lose their child to cancer. GO TEAM!

Honored Hero: Joshua Rosenthal

2011-04-05T22:29:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday for the mission moment we had a fellow TNT teammate from Austin be our speaker. Her name is Pam Rosenthal and she is a friend of Coach Coby. Coach Coby is the spring season coach and an officer with the Richardson Police Department. Pam's mission moment was about her son, Joshua D. Rosenthal.

She spoke about as a young boy he always wanted to be a police officer. His wish came true and as the young age of 22 he was hired as a rookie police officer by the Richardson Police Department in 2006. He was healthy and in excellent shape his mother went on to say. But soon after he started with the police force he wasn't feeling well and visited the doctor. After having some blood work done he was admitted into the hospital. Within 36 hours Joshua suddenly died from acute leukemia. His cancer was 98% curable if if it hadn't metastasized in the brain - which his did. His cancer went completely undetected until it was too late.

You can read more about Pam's journey as she trains for the San Diego Rock & Roll half marathon in honor of her son! GO PAM! GO TEAM!

Coach Coby is seen in the above photo as the first officer on the left. Thank you to Coach Coby and Pam for sharing Joshua's story!

Racing Day: 13.1 + Shoes - Garmin = 1st Place

2011-03-29T20:53:00.012-05:00

In the words of the Backyardigans:

Racing day, it's racing day,
Racing day, it's racing day!
It's not nervous pacing day.
Today's the day we race.

I'm ready to race a long, long race.
This race goes almost every place.
It's fast, it's long,
It's vast, it's far,
It starts out right here where we are.

But when the finish line's unfurled,
We will have raced around the world.
When we finish this long, long race
I hope, I hope I'll take first place.

So obviously I like the Backyardigans and Sunday was RACE DAY! So here is how it went....

I was nervous to say the least. This was my 5th half marathon (13.1 miles). I was on my own for the first time in a fairly large race...and when I mean on my own I wasn't running it with anyone in particular. Alot of my TNT running friends would be there but everyone was kind of doing their own thing. I kept thinking back to my 20 mile training run last fall trying to build up my confidence.

The night before I planned to meet up with Jessica. She was in corral 7 and I was in 8 and the only thing that separates a corral is some rope, so I went ahead and jumped in her corral. The faster you are the lower your corral number is (in most cases). I had put a finishing time of 2:15 even though my PR (personal record) in the half marathon was 2:32. I honestly thought I put 2:20 because that is what I was hoping for. On any given day Jessica is faster than me especially when it comes to race day...I wasn't sure if I could hang with her or not and I had no intention of holding her back. I just wanted a friendly face next to me when we started. I knew I would try to keep pace as long as I could.

I guess I should mention TWO big things:

1) I bought new Newtons (shoes) and decided to wear them for the race. This is a HUGE HUGE no-no. Nothing new is what the runner motto is...nothing new on race day, but I went against this. I've been running in Newtons for close to a year so the shoe isn't new to me but this pair was brand new out of the box. I went ahead and slipped on my shoe bling that Meg (one of my TNT coaches) got me last winter season. Jessica's mom snapped this picture at the start line...and I'm so glad she did!
2) My watch (Garmin) locked up! This is my running watch...its like a mini computer on your wrist that tells me my time, pace, heart rate, etc...and when I went to turn on the GPS...it just stuck there. I think Jessica thought I was crazy...I kept pushing the button harder and harder like it was going to do something but NOTHING HAPPENED. All I could say was, "What am I going to do...I'm not going to know my pace!" And Jessica's honest reply, "You'll probably run a better race without it!"

At this point there is no turning back...so off we went. Jessica and I ran side-by-side miles 1-8. There was no conversation...ear buds in...I could tell that we were both in the zone and I was perfectly happy with that. Miles 1 - 8 as you can see on the elevation map are a steady incline. It is funny that I only noticed this at two spots...the beginning and going into mile 8 which was on Mockingbird I believe.

At mile 8 Jessica's husband and mom were there cheering her on...since my Garmin was not working I quickly pulled off my heart rate strap and handed it to Jeff (thank you Jeff!). Because I knew it wasn't working it was driving me crazy. At this point Jessica and I separated. I continued to see her for the next mile or so in front of me. Right around mile 10 I saw an empty potty...I debated...I debated and then I dashed for it. Generally runners try to avoid any breaks but I'm awful at this...without being too personal I have a small bladder and that coupled with having to drink on the course to stay hydrated + running isn't always fun. So I took my chances knowing it would affect my time. I think it was the fastest potty break of all time.

Back on the road I felt good....I realized I only had 3 miles left and I knew I was doing well. How well...not exactly sure because NO GARMIN. There are clocks on the course and I estimated that I started about 10 minutes after the official start time so I was doing my best to take that into account. The best thing about the end is that it was all a slight decline. I have no idea of my exact pace miles 8-13...but I kept steady.

Rounding into the finish I saw the clock...it said 2:24 and I picked up the pace...there was NO WAY I was not going to make 2:15 if it was in reach. I sprinted to the finish and it felt good. Besides coming into the finish line at White Rock Marathon this past December...this was the best I've every felt during a race. FINISHED. DONE. HAPPY.

I didn't see anyone I knew. I remembered that Jessica said she was going to meet her family at family meet-up so I headed that way under the "W"...there she was (with her Dad) and I was so excited to see her. We hugged...I wanted to cry...she asked what I thought my time was and I said I hoped it was under 2:15 but we weren't sure. She showed me her watch...2:08:36 - she made her goal and then some...a new PR for Jessica! I was soooo excited and proud for her.

I was guessing I came in about 10 minutes after her...which would have put me at 2:18 but I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA. Jessica tried to look up the race results on her phone but they were updated yet. It was getting cold and even though Bret Michaels was going to be playing I decided to head home but not without a picture!

At home...I went straight to the computer. My time 2:12:46 - seriously I couldn't believe it. I immediately text Jessica.

Today I actually thought about running Big D half in a couple weeks to see if I could do it again...crazy I know, but I think its just the runner high lingering from Sunday. To me my 2:12:46 is my 1st place!

Be the Match...Be the One!

2011-03-28T23:01:00.006-05:00

Well I ran the Dallas Rock & Roll HALF Marathon yesterday (Sunday, March 27) but you are all going to have to wait for that post...because today I came across a news story that I wanted to share because in part it is also connected to our mission...

With our house move about one month ago I realized that I hadn't paid much attention to the news or what was going on. So today I came across a story about a toddler named Winslet Seoighe who lives in McKinney. She is 17-months old and has been fighting for her young life since the day she was born. Winslet was born with only 33% of the blood volume a baby should have. Winslet's only chance for a cure was a life-saving bone marrow transplant. This is the same procedure that many blood cancer patients must have in order to save their lives! Winslet is one of the lucky ones....doctors found a 6/6 match from the National Marrow Donor Program cord blood bank. Winslet endured eight days of intensive chemotherapy in preparation for her bone marrow transplant, which took place February 3, 2011.

You can read the latest about Winslet in the news story I saw today...she is home and recovering well...as I always say...simply amazing!

Winslet's mom wants to get the word out about Be the Match..."she wants others to be as lucky as they've been. She encourages women to visit http://www.marrow.org/, where they can get information about donating their umbilical cord if they're pregnant and whether the hospital where they deliver accepts cord blood donation. People can also register on the site to be a bone marrow donor."

I encourage you to check out the Myths & Facts about donating your bone marrow...in most cases it is simple and relatively painless AND most important can SAVE A LIFE!

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society encourages people to become donors...I've been a donor since I was 18...when Allie was diagnosed. I was called once...back in 2001...I was so hopeful that I could help someone. In the end, I wasn't the right match but honestly, I wait for the day that it will be my turn to donate my bone marrow.

You to can BE THE MATCH!

Honored Hero: Mark Stratton

2011-03-26T13:01:00.001-05:00

Saturday's honored hero is the husband of another teammate...his name is Mark and his wife (who runs with TNT) is Austin. However, they weren't married when Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma in May of 2006...they had just met. He was given a 50/50 chance of surviving his illness and by the time he finished chemo in October of that SAME YEAR he was in remission! Amazing! Even more good news was to follow...the following October in 2007 Austin and Mark were married and have since been blessed with two beautiful children.

Since Austin met Mark and he became an honored hero of LLS she has wanted to participate in a TNT event in honor of him...and this is her season! On June 5th she will be running in the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon. That entire race benefits LLS! This will be her 1st full marathon...and I know she will do fabulous.

On Austin's fundraising page...she posts updates...and I want to share her post from March 8...

There are just some days, like today, that I DO NOT want to get up and run. I want to stay in my nice warm and cozy bed, I don't want to get up I do not want to run 6.5 miles in the morning and 4 at night. Then as I am lying there listening to my alarm I remind myself why I am doing this. I remind myself of the days that it literally took every ounce of energy that Mark had just to get out of bed. I am remind of the days that it took all he had to sit up and watch a movie with me. I remember that I do not want him or anyone else to have to suffer that same fate, and so once again, I get up. I put both feet on the floor, put my shorts, shirt, socks, and shoes on, I go down stairs walk out my front door, turn on my ipod and say a prayer, Thanking the Lord for the strength I know only comes from Him to get up and do this. Phillipians 4:13.....Then I run!

Her words ring true for many family members of those that are diagnosed with blood cancers or any cancer. Those of us that train and fundraise for these events have a choice but our honored heros do NOT have a choice...they do not have a choice to skip treatment or spend a holiday in the hospital. As many have said...we run for those that can't.

We Train Endure Achieve and Matter in honor of heros like Mark!

GO MARK...GO AUSTIN & GO TEAM!

Racing Day Approaching and Knee Surgery

2011-03-23T05:24:00.002-05:00

Sunday will be my 5th HALF marathon...I'm excited as I think I'm actually prepared for this and might get the time I've been hoping for after completing two full marathons at the end of 2010. But with that being said, one can prepare all that want for a race, but you never know how the actual race day will turn out, so I'm anxious.

Furthermore, I'm doing this one on my own...no running partner and no TNT. TNT typically doesn't co-participant in events that benefit Komen. And while the Komen organization uses some funding for things I don't personally agree with...I do give them credit as they have brought great awareness to breast cancer research. As most of you know my Mom is a breast cancer survivor and I want a cure for that just as much as I want a cure for blood cancers. I just wish that much awareness was given to childhood cancers...ALL cancers for that matter!

So off my soapbox...what's this about knee surgery some of you might be asking??

Unfortunately my Mom injured her knee and today is having a complete knee replacement. Please send prayers her way as the surgery requires several weeks/months of rehab. She was very upset that she will (obviously) be unable to complete the half marathon in May but I'm hoping to run it for her along with Allie!

So wish me luck on Sunday and wish my Mom luck on the long recovery!

Honored Hero: James

2011-03-20T14:12:00.007-05:00

This past Saturday at training Cheryl and Chris Berg joined us to share their story about their son, James...seem in the photo above (sandwiched between his older twin brothers!).

First, a little background on how I originally met the Berg Family....I had the pleasure of meeting the Berg Family on the 2009 winter marathon team. I first heard about James Berg at our last training before the 2009 White Rock event...it was bitterly cold that morning and I didn't want to go to training but Allie was determined and said we had to go, so off we went that morning bundled in layers of clothes and running our last training miles before the event. As we all stood there huddled in a circle Cheryl and Chris told James' story...he was diagnosed with "ALL" on April 23, 2008. As they continued to tell about his diagnosis and treatment, in my mind, I was "blasted back to the past" remembering when Allie was diagnosed and how I thought I was coming home for a normal thanksgiving break but instead I was picked up at the airport and in the parking garage was told that Allie was diagnosed with leukemia. For some reason...hearing James' story really reminded me of Allie and why I was a part of TNT. I can picture that morning of training like it was yesterday. James' story and his family's commitment to helping find a cure and their continued participation in TNT events continues to motivate and inspire me! The Berg family is always in my thoughts and prayers.

So back to Saturday's mission moment...the Bergs came out and told about James and his journey. For the past year I have kept up on his caringbridge page. This is the 3rd time I have heard Chris and Cheryl speak about James' journey but this time they spoke about the end of his treatment...which if all goes as planned will be this July 2011! They spoke about how excited (and nervous) they are for the end of treatment. As many families do...they also said they would be throwing a huge "end of chemo/treatment" party. And one of the things they will do at that party is throw away all the empty plastic medicine bottles they have kept over the years. Cheryl brought one shoe box full of them and as she opened it I could see how shocked the team was to see that one child has to endure all that medicine for 3+ years. It definitely puts what we are fundraising for into perspective!

Thank you Berg Family for sharing your story!

GO JAMES! GO TEAM!

Meet Allie (again...)

2011-03-12T13:49:00.009-06:00

Many of you reading this blog already know Allie...but for anyone new...Meet Allie!

I shared her story for the new summer team as my mission moment. Allie is my niece and she was diagnosed in 1994 with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) at 7 1/2 months old. At that time there were only 50 children annually diagnosed under the age of 1. Her treatment began immediately and at the 30 day mark she was in remission. She underwent 2 1/2 years of treatment and is now a healthy, happy high school student who is about to turn 17!

Allie doesn't remember her diagnosis or treatment (thanks goodness) but she does remember all the events we participated in as a family in her honor and she has now stepped up to continue as a participant herself. On December 13, 2009, Allie became an official Team in Training alumni as she crossed the finish line while running the White Rock Marathon RELAY two days before celebrating her 15th year in remission. It was a glorious day...and I couldn't have been more proud. In December of 2010 Allie completed her FIRST half marathon for Team in Training. She is committed to helping find a cure like the rest of our family.

I'd like to take this moment to THANK every family, friend or stranger who has donated in honor of Allie. Your donation has made a difference in the lives of many and continues to impact patients today!

Photos above in order: Allie's first week in the hospital; Allie in 1996 as a TNT honored hero; Allie in 2009 completing her first TNT event!

Honored Hero: Jenna

2011-03-06T09:18:00.003-06:00

Jenna (above) is the daugther of another teammate - Terri. Terri shared Jenna's story this past Saturday at training. Jenna was diagnosed with ALL, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2004, while the family was at Disney World! Yes they were on vacation. She received a blood transfusion in Orlando, then the doctor allowed us 2 days at the beach to relax, and we headed home to Austin to start her cancer treatment.

When they arrived back in Austin they promptly took Jenna to see her new oncologist, Dr. Wells. He explained her condition and treatment, saying the goal was to get her "good as new". Treatment would take approximately 2 1/2 years. During that week long stay she had surgery to implant a mediport in her chest, more specific diagnostic tests, and started chemotherapy.

Terri continued to tell us how Jenna was extremely tired and slept all the time. About a week after being sent home, she started complaining of tummy pain and her color was coming and going. They returned to the hospital and found out Jenna had developed severe pancreatitis from one of the chemo drugs. She was rushed to the Pediatric ICU (PICU) and almost died. There were a few other complications...she had 5 IV sites, a NJ (nasojejunal) tube to bypass her stomach and allow her pancreas to rest. She also had an insulin pump and still does to this day. She was in the PICU 6 days and then transferred to the regular cancer floor. Jenna slowly recovered with time, physical therapy, and the excellent care of the wonderful nurses and doctors.

I'm proud to post that I met Jenna on Saturday at the Honored Hero luncheon...and she is a beautiful, happy young lady in 5th grade! And want to know something else really spectacular about Jenna...last year she was the only 4th grader at her school to get perfect attendance for the year.....now that's healthy!! Terri gives credit to God for that. He answered their prayers and healed Jenna, making her strong and resilient.

GO TEAM! GO JENNA!

Meet Cesar...

2011-03-01T21:00:00.003-06:00

So last Saturday, March 26th I had to miss training...it wasn't an easy decision but we were moving homes and I was exhausted and my family needed me home. When I say it wasn't an easy decision I mean that...literally...because what you realize when you are involved in TNT is that we (healthy individuals) have choices - tons of choices every day that we (sometimes) take for granted. Unfortunately, our honored heros do NOT have these same choices. They don't have the choice to say, "I'm too tired, so I'm skipping treatment today." You will hear runners who run events for organizations like TNT...say "we run for those that can't" and they mean it from their heart.

So our 3rd honored hero this season is Cesar. Cesar is the husband of D'. I met D' back in August 2009 on the winter run team. I have heard their story a couple times but asked D' to write the following so I didn't miss any details...

Cesar was diagnosed with Lymphoma back in the 90s, so long ago that I don't even remember exactly when it was. He went through chemotherapy fairly easily the first time and was declared clear. Eight months later, it was back and it really came roaring back. The doctors gave him a 20-30% chance of making it. I'm really proud of Cesar. He took treatments in stride. He always said that his body had cancer and it was just a disease and he was not going to be consumed by it. And that's exactly what he did. He continued to work and play, having a glass of wine or a cigar – with the blessings of his doctor. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but it kept him sane and happy, so it was probably exactly what he needed.

He eventually needed to have a bone marrow transplant, but no donor was found, so he had an autologous bone marrow transplant. After wiping out his immune system, it was a few months of staying out of crowds and spending most of his time at home. He was again declared clear and this time it stuck!

He's been cancer free for 16 years. His daughter got us started with TNT, by running in 2008 for a son of a friend and her father. We went to watch her run the San Diego Rock & Roll marathon and caught the bug. Cesar had a heart attack a couple of years ago. Doctors think that it might have been a consequence of the radiation he had during cancer treatment. He's overcome that also and has the heart, both physically and figuratively, of a healthy, strong person, so much so that he is now doing half marathons himself and says he's going to do a full.

We have been blessed.

Picture: Cesar Miranda & D' Forman at Tyler Rose Half Marathon

GO CESAR! GO TEAM!

Honored Hero: JC

2011-02-22T17:35:00.002-06:00

Meet JC...he is the son of a teammate. JC was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. This year he started kindergarten and is still undergoing treatment and will do so until 2012!

Melissa, his mom, shared his story last week at training. Melissa and her family know first hand the pain & hardship that comes with fighting cancer. On her fundraising website, she says, "Even though it has been two years since JC was diagnosed, I can remember the doctor telling me my then, 3 year-old baby, had leukemia like it was yesterday. No mom should have to experience the heartbreak of hearing such news or live daily wondering what the future holds for her terminally ill child."

So if you are wondering why we do what we do...its for kids like JC and their families...to show them we care and that we want to do whatever is in our power to help. And to give hope to the future generations!

GO TEAM!

Summer Season 2011 & New Honored Heros...

2011-02-13T12:51:00.003-06:00

The Summer Season for TEAM in TRAINING has officially begun. Our first training was this past Saturday. It was exciting to be back and meet all the new participants. This season I am going to do my best to share the mission moments on my blog each week. Every Saturday before we head out for that week's long run we hear from someone who has a connection to the cause and why they chose to get involved with TNT. Every mission moment is different...some make you smile, some make you laugh and some make you cry but they always provide just the right amount of inspiration!

Meet Cutler...

Cutler was diagnosed with Leukemia in September 2009 at the age of 6 months! Some of you might notice why this one might be close to my heart...Allie was 7 months old at her diagnosis. It is not common for a children to be diagnosed under the age of 1. Numerous rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant...Cutler is 100% healthy and turning 2 next month. February 8 also marked the one-year anniversary that Cutler was released from the hospital following his bone marrow transplant. What a blessing! Melanie, Cutler's mom, wants to give back so she signed up to run her first FULL marathon in San Diego this June. To learn more about Cutler, please see their family blog.

Did you know as a group, leukemias account for about 25% of all childhood cancers and affect about 2,200 American young people each year. Luckily, the chances for a cure are very good with leukemia. With treatment, most children with leukemia will be free of the disease without it coming back. But I want that statement to read ALL children!

So if you are asked by a friend or family member to donate to their efforts for TEAM in TRAINING please give...every dollar helps find a cure. Be assured that 75% of your donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society goes directly to research and patient services!

We are off to a great season - GO TEAM!

Girl of the Year!

2011-01-27T06:20:00.001-06:00

We are shouting from the rooftops this morning because Georgia, one of our honored heros and friends, was named the Austin chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Girl of the Year! She and the Boy of the Year, will serve as inspiration for the 2011 Man and Woman of the Year candidates as they compete to raise the most funds for this spring's campaign. To read more about Georgia please visit her blog!

And if you are so inspired to join the TEAM...please visit Team in Training and help us raise funds that are so vital to children just like Georgia! Team in Training is the official endurance program of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...you can train to run/walk a half or full marathon, cycle a century, complete a triathlon or even do a hike!

Together we train to BEAT CANCER!

Mom has joined the TEAM

2011-01-19T15:14:00.005-06:00

My Mom has joined the TEAM! Woohoo!

On January 30 we will kick off the SUMMER season of Team in Training. I am mentoring this season and cannot wait to meet all the new participants that will be run/walk training for a full or half marathon!

Being a part of TEAM IN TRAINING over the past 10 years, especially the last 18 months has made such a difference in my life. And I love sharing it with new people! There is still time to sign up so if you are interested please let me know!

My Mom will be training for the Heels and Hills HALF marathon on May 1, 2011. Please click the image above or the picture of us to the right to make a donation...her goal is to raise $1400...so let's help her get there!

GO TEAM!

Looking for the right GIFT...GIVE COOKIES!

2010-12-16T05:16:00.005-06:00

I read about these gourmet cookies on Georgia's blog...one of our honored heros and I just had to post it. If you are one that has family or friends who you send gifts to PLEASE PLEASE consider sending these cookies from Cookies for Kid's Cancer.

Cookies for Kid's Cancer was founded by a mom inspired by her son's current fight against Neuroblastoma. By purchasing their gourmet cookies you're helping fund research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancers. Pediatric cancer robs families of more children than any other disease! In the past year I have learned there is a huge difference between funding for pediatric cancer and other types of cancers.

And quoting Georgia's mom..."if you're trying not to overdo it this holiday eating season, how about one of these cool t-shirts instead?"

A Happy Ending!

2010-12-06T11:47:00.017-06:00

Sunday was Marathon #2 for me and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end this year's running season. I know I'm giving away "the end" at the beginning but I'm just still so overjoyed about how Sunday unfolded I can't contain myself.

I am having a hard time even describing how I feel...giddy, happy, elated, proud, accomplished...those are some words that come to mind. As you know from the previous post I tried to go into Sunday with an open mind. I wanted to be relaxed and I wanted to enjoy this race. Something that I really struggled with in DC during my first marathon. I knew that much of how the day would go was beyond by control.

Have I mentioned it was freezing? I think that is my biggest complaint about Sunday...it was bitterly cold. We arrived at Fair Park about 6:40am. We got to spend some time inside the automative building which was nice, but then headed outside. We huddled in our corral for at least 45 minutes waiting to start - Robin, Kim, Melissa, Serene and myself. It was nice to be surrounded by friends. Happiness! I felt great and I wasn't nervous...I was ready!

The first couple miles were a little hard mainly because of the cold. My feet felt like ice cubes and as they hit the ground there was a bit of a sting until the blood started flowing and my legs warmed up. At mile 5 my family was there cheering. Happiness! I stopped for a quick minute and lost sight of Robin. So as I started back on course...it hit me that I might be running the next 21 miles alone. I became a bit concerned...did I have it in me? Self-doubt as I've said before is my biggest weakness. I stayed focused and about 1/2 mile down the road I saw my coaches...first David and then Meg. David asked how I was and I said..."I'm great...I don't even care how today goes so I'm good!" Meg ran with me a bit and said Robin wasn't that far ahead so I thought just maybe I could catch up with her. At around mile 6.5 someone tapped me on the back...and to my surprise it was Robin. Happiness! She accidently passed the relay stop to pass off to Ken so she had to double-back.

We ran together, mostly in silence...but at a consistent pace. I was content and comfortable. Will & Ken were waiting for us at Mile 16 for food support. We gobbled some cheerios and pretzles and were on our way. Happiness! We continued to run together until mile 23, I think. My knee started to ache and I could feel I was getting a bit tired so I stopped to walk an incline. But as Robin went out of sight I knew I had this...I knew that Will was at the finish along with my Mom, Andrew and Allie.

My final GU was at mile 24 and I hoped that would give me the last bit of energy I needed for the final push to the finish. Right before mile 25 I saw a purple jersey in the middle of the road...could it be? I yelled out as loud as I could, "ROBIN" and the purple jersey turned around. Happiness! Tears of joy rolled down my face and all I could say was "I'm so happy to see you!" It wasn't that I couldn't finish by myself, but Robin has been my main running partner this entire year. 90% of our long runs and races we have done together this year and knowing that we might just cross the finish line together...well what more could I say.

We both had some pain in that final stretch. Charlene, another TNT coach, was covering that last mile and she ran with us for about 1/2 a mile and chatted...trying to keep our mind off anything but finishing. She left us right as we would round the corner to see the finish line. We hit the corner and that was it...we finished strong. The final 1.2 mile was my fastest all day! Happiness!

We headed back to the TNT tent to check in and meet up with Will, Ken and the rest of my family. Much of the team was there...Allie, Jessica, Serene, Melissa, Brittni, Chris and many others. What was even more amazing is that it seemed EVERYONE had an amazing race day. Santa (via God) had answered my list. Happiness!

So why am I so happy? First off, I shaved 22 minutes off my marathon time from DC...my final time was 5:11:11. Secondly, and even more important than my time, was my attitude during this race. Maybe it was that White Rock was my official TNT event...maybe it was simply because I knew what to expect this time or maybe it was just that I decided to let whatever be....be. Whatever it was it worked!

The last year (really 18 months) have brought me so much happiness in more ways than I can ever express. John Bingham said, "The miracle isn't that I finished. It's that I had the courage to start." and I couldn't agree more!

Finally...at the beginning of this year I blogged that I would complete 10 events in 2010. And it looks as if I did...if you are so inclined, please take a couple minutes and watch the video of events I put together. It pretty much sums up my year and how I feel about running and TEAM IN TRAINING.

10 in 2010

2 - 5k events

2 - 10k events

4 - Half Marathons

2 - Full Marathons

Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holiday season! Until next year...

A couple of additions...

Since I posted this blog I tallied up how much Will, Allie and I raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society from White Rock '09 to White Rock '10...drum roll....$7,557.60! And I have to add that the three awesome friends I recruited for this season (Robin, Kim & Shannon)...they raised...$4734.00! So all in all that is $12,291.60!

Thank you to EVERYONE who donated. You have truly made a difference!

Please check out the following two blogs about Sunday's race and TNT...they will continue to inspire you to join us - Robin's and Jessica's.

Preparing for Marathon #2...and my list to Santa

2010-12-02T05:30:00.010-06:00

So here I am again…3 days until another marathon. I am not as nervous as I was for my first one (a month ago) because now I know what to expect. This is what the start lines looks like in big marathon...and it can take 20 minutes for the final group to cross the START line...that's alot of runners and walkers!

I know the day will be long. I know it will be bitterly cold in the morning while we wait for the race to start. I know my feet and body will ache after the first 20 miles. I know my eyes will search the crowd for Will waiting for one familiar face. I know my tummy will grumble for pretzels and then want to reject anything I put in it. I know that every time I see another purple jersey I remember I am not alone in my mission to help find a cure for blood cancers or any cancer for that matter. I know that I will see signs like the one in the picture below that will make me laugh out loud at just the perfect moment. I know that I will see amputee runners (even children) who will inspire me to continue pushing no matter how tired I am. I know that I will smile, cry and scream (inside my head) while I’m on the course. The range of emotions on a single race day is overwhelming. Sometimes it isn’t running 26.2 miles that worries me…it’s my mental state for 26.2 miles!

So am I prepared? Honestly, I can’t really answer that this time. I’ve been sick and felt crummy for the last several weeks but this morning I saw something and my inspiration has come back. God has a funny way of doing that. Besides the bronchitis and sinus infection I’ve been battling, my IT band started to ache a couple weeks ago so I’m trying out this new ROCK TAPE. No need to go on about what it is but the back of the rock tape has all kinds of quotes and as I put my tape on this morning the word “difference” GLARED at me….

“When it’s all over, it’s not who you were. It’s whether you made a difference!”

Perfect. Brilliant. Inspirational. Sub “who you were” with “my finishing time” and it is exactly what I need to get me to Sunday!

On this blog I try to be real…but we all hold stuff back. The last thing I want to do is complain about how I don’t feel good or that I had a bad run or I’m disappointed in my finishing time. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I SIGNED UP FOR THIS…no one makes me do it. I signed up to train. I signed up to wake up every Saturday morning at 5:00am or earlier. I signed up to run 18 miles in blistering heat. I signed up to meet new friends. I signed up to raise money. I SIGNED UP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

How I’ve felt these last couple weeks…sick, run down, bummed, tired…is how I think my honored heros feel when they are going through treatment. They feel that way EVERY DAY for months on end sometimes. And to make matters worse, most of them are children. Small tiny humans…just like my two children at home, who can’t possibly understand why their tiny bodies have been evaded by “bad guys.” And their parents…battling along side of them – heros in their own right!

So as I prepare for another marathon...I have also made out my LIST to Santa. I think I’ve been good this year so I’m hoping my (prayer) list comes true… with the help of God.

1. Continue to help Georgia, Morgan, James and Phillip fight their battle against Leukemia. Heal their bodies quickly. Bless their families and keep them healthy (and home) during the holidays.

2. Bring peace to my teammate Monique and her family as they celebrate another holiday season while Griffin watches from heaven. May he and the angels make plenty of snow-angels, build snowmen, drink hot chocolate and sing carols.

3. Keep Allie’s body and mind strong as she runs her first half marathon… and keep her in remission as she grows into a beautiful young lady.

4. Ease the anxiety and fears of all my teammates as they approach race day. May they have the race they have dreamed about since they signed up for TNT in August. Bless each of their honored heros.

5. Bless Abi and Beau (my kiddos) with good health and happy days. Guide Will and I to be good parents and a strong family. Help us show them how much they are loved each and every day. .

6. Keep my mind focused...remind me why I run when I begin to doubt myself.

My final note…yes I know this is a LONG POST. But I have to tell you the story of the picture above of the child in the wheelchair. Her name is Ryanne Carr (age 7) of Mineola, Texas. She is the Junior Race Director of the White Rock Marathon this year. Ryanne is a double amputee and is missing part of her right arm. As part of the orthopedic care that she receives at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, the hospital provides Ryanne with prosthetic limbs, which allow her to do the things she loves. Scottish Rite is the primary beneficiary of the marathon. The runner pushing Ryanne is Amputee Amy Palmiero-Winter (37-year-old mother) from Long Island, N.Y. Amy lost her leg in a motorcycle accident in 1994. But, using a customized prosthesis, she's become a three-time triathlon world champion and holds 12 world records for amputee athletes. In October 2009, she was named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the 10th annual Heartland 100-mile endurance run in Kansas. She posted the second fastest time of any runner in the event's history.

Last year at White Rock Marathon (2009) Ryanne couldn't pass up the opportunity when Amy Palmiero-Winters offered to push her in a wheelchair for the race. In the last mile, Ryanne got into her racing wheelchair so she could finish the race on her own power.

What more inspiration do you need than that?

Good luck to the entire Winter TEAM! Each of you have a made a difference…so you’ve already won!

How will you use the power today?

2010-11-18T06:38:00.001-06:00

Love this quote and with Thanksgiving next week and Christmas around the corner I wanted to post it.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ~Leo Buscaglia

Take a moment and you might just make a difference...whether it be your spouse, child, friend, co-worker, waiter, sales clerk or a complete stranger.

And...a big SHOUT OUT to Robin...she reached her fundraising goal. So proud of her for making a difference and helping find a cure. She has touched lives she will never meet.

Running towards the Pink Ribbon

2010-11-08T20:12:00.007-06:00

This weekend marks another RACE...yes two weeks after my first marathon I am running a HALF (13.1 miles)...I know I'm crazy! Its the Rock & Roll San Antonio Marathon benefitting Susan G Komen.

This will be Will's 1st HALF marathon! We signed up several months back to celebrate our 8th anniversary and hope to run the whole way together!

As you all know we are passionate about TEAM in TRAINING and raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. But I'm a supporter of Susan G Komen too...my Mom is a breast cancer survivor - 19 years to be exact and I hope by the time Abi reaches adulthood a cure will be found so no women has to endure the words, "You have breast cancer."

My Mom gave me the pin above and I'll be wearing it on Sunday to show my support along with my TNT jersey!

GO TEAM!

Average Jane or GI Jane?

2010-11-02T20:45:00.001-05:00

Done. Finished. Completed. SURVIVED!

I am officially a marathoner- 2010 Marine Corp Marathon FINISHER!

I can't say it was easy...it was probably the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. I believe I was 100% ready for the event...physically. But no one can ever prepare you mentally and emotionally for running 26.2 miles.

My morning started off a bit rough...I didn't feel too well and of course I was nervous. We woke at 4:00am and the race didn't start till 8:00am so there was a lot of waiting. They recommend you are in "runners village" (aka the starting area) at least two hours before the start. There was heightened security as well due to all that has been going on in DC lately so it was kind of strange running on a course with FBI agents and other military personnel holding weapons.

I am not going to take you through the entire race...I will spare you mile-to-mile details. Here's a brief account...Miles 1-10 were rough...miles 11-20 I felt strong and the final 6 were a bit of a struggle. I just wanted to be done and I wanted to see Will.

I want to thank Robin...she was cool and collected and provided much needed reassurance (without saying much) throughout the first 20 miles. We didn't talk like we do on training runs...there was so much going on around us. Robin was in a zone and I fed off of that many times throughout the race which was incredibly helpful and calming.

So to everyone's big question..."what was your time?" It isn't that I mind people asking because I have somewhat obsessed about finishing times myself, but at the same time I ran 26.2 miles so does my time really matter? I completed it in 5 hours and 33 minutes. I have to say I was hoping to come in under 5 1/2 hours but I'll take the 3 minutes. I've had plenty of mixed emotions about those 3 minutes and other parts of the race which I just have to let go. But I did some research. It appears that only around 1% of the population ever run a marathon in their life time and out of Sunday’s Marine Corp Marathon with 30,000 registered competitors only 21,856 finished. And according to Marathon Guide, the average finishing time for woman in all US marathons in 2009 (since 2010 stats are out yet) was 5 hours 41 minutes. So I'm AVERAGE....Average Jane...and after 26.2 miles I LOVE AVERAGE!

And furthermore, I didn't start running to be the best or the fastest...I started running to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and that is my mission...to help find a cure! Every one of my honored heros ran those 26.2 miles with me - Allie, Georgia, James, Phillip, Griffin, Morgan and so many others who have battled such a horrible disease.

Thank you to all my friends and family you emailed, facebooked and messaged me. Your support is greatly appreciated. One FB message stuck with me and it was from an old college friend...he said, "this is something that can never be taken away from you" and that statement is so true. I will never forget October 31, 2010!

We didn't take alot of photos on this trip but the two above are my favorites. The first for obvious reasons - Robin and I with our medals!

The second - Will & I in front of the Lincoln Memorial - because no matter where life takes me, I will always have Will by my side. He provides a constant source of strength and encouragement and no matter how many events I enter whether its a 5k or a marathon...he will always be waiting for me at the finish line and that is better than any medal!

Counting down...

2010-10-26T05:28:00.005-05:00

If you noticed the clock to the right...I have 4 days until my very 1st marathon - the Marine Corp Marathon (MCM) in Washington DC. Voted the best marathon for families, the MCM honors the dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism of its participants. Runners from all walks of life participate in the largest marathon not to offer prize or money, earning the nickname as "The People's Marathon". The MCM is the 4th largest marathon in the United States and the 8th largest in the world. The race will be held on Sunday, October 31.

I have debated several times about posting earlier but couldn't put any thoughts on paper. One minute I'm excited, the next nervous. I have been training for this event for 6 months. Robin, my friend and running partner, will also be running the race along with our TNT coaches - Dave and Meg. This will be their 3rd MCM. They have answered every question I can think to ask..so thank you Dave & Meg!

I chose the MCM as my first official marathon for one main reason...they are celebrating their 35th anniversary and last Friday, October 22, I celebrated my 35th birthday. So needless to say the medal will have a rather large 35 on it...which excites me! I'm sure some don't enjoy getting older but the fact that I just turned 35 and started running a year ago and am tackling two marathons this year still shocks me.

October 31 also has two other meaningful events in my life - on that day in 2005, my grandfather passed away and Will & I first heard Abi's heartbeat on the sonogram. We had our fair share of worries trying to get pregnant that year but I firmly believe that my grandfather passed allowing Abigail to come into our lives, so the day has always been special to me. And in regards to MCM being my first marathon...I will not be alone...over two-thirds of the estimated 30,000 participants in the 2010 MCM will be making their race debut. Simply amazing!

I wish I could say that I was running MCM under the Team in Training name but the North Texas team does not train and travel to this race. However, there will be other TNT chapters there so I expect to see alot of purple shirts. I will be wearing my purple TNT "Train with a Purpose" jersey because every time I run I want to support TNT! Likewise, 1 in 5 runners is running MCM for some type of charity organization. To see all the charities that benefit from MCM, click here. I am still fundraising for my official TNT event - White Rock Marathon on December 5, 2010.

I also wanted to take a moment to update you on Georgia, one of my honored heros who inspires me during training runs and also race day. Georgia is doing well and is in first cycle of maintenance. Her and her family participated in two big events this month - the Leukemia and Lymphoma's Society Light the Night Walk and the Livestrong Challenge 5k. All kids in treatment were invited to ride in pedicabs among the walkers/runners to offer support and inspiration. Also, as a fellow TNTer, I want to give a "shout out" to Jenn, whom I don't know personally, but she is a friend of Georgia's who completed the Denver Marathon on October 17 in Georgia's honor!

Last I have two THANK YOUs I want to post...

First, with the race being held on halloween that means we will miss taking our kids trick-or-treating. So THANK YOU Mom (Dad and Grandma) for taking care of them this weekend and making sure they receive tons of love and candy! I couldn't be traveling and running this event without your support.

Second, words cannot express how grateful I am to Will. His support and encouragement of my running keeps me going. Even yesterday, Mark Remy - a writer for Runner's World - declared October 25 National-Married-to-a-Runner Day. Remy even went so far to suggest we blog about how awesome our spouse is...so here it is...Will - you are AWESOME! On a more serious note, I couldn't ask for a better partner in life...you are steadfast and strong in taking care of our family. I love you!

So wish me luck and send a prayer my way for a successful race day!

10+10=20

2010-10-03T21:17:00.001-05:00

The agenda for Saturday morning...20 mile training run...READY, SET...

I ran the first 10 miles with the team. I ran side-by-side to another teammate....Jessica. She was on the winter team last year and is a mentor this season, like me. We have really gotten to know each other a lot better this season. She is quite funny and I enjoy running with her and reading her running blog. She can definitely turn on the speed especially on race day...and I'm inspired by that. Serene, another teammate from last year, ran with us and a new teammate Melissa joined in as well. I mention these ladies and others in previous posts because they are part of my life...most are new friends...and they are one of the reasons I love running. When you are out there running you can talk about things and confess things that you probably wouldn't just standing around in the parking lot. We laugh, we cry, we run!

Robin, my friend and regular training partner, who is running Marine Corp at the end of this month with me had a recovery weekend so I was on my own for miles 11-20. While I was running the first 10 which went by rather quickly...I was very worried about the second 10 and confessed that to Jessica on our run. My confession...I had NEVER run more than 4 miles alone. I consider myself a social runner. I love running with others and I run my best when I'm surrounded by friends (so I thought). So needless to say, I wondered if I could pull this off. Deep down inside I knew this was going to be a "make it or break it" moment. It would either give me the confidence I needed for the Marine Corp marathon or pull me into a downward spiral of negativity.

When we finished up mile 10 and came into the parking lot, I stretched, refueled and took about a 15 minute break. Inside I was ready...I was happy and wanted to prove to myself I can run alone. Jessica, Melissa and Serene cheered me on as I ran out of the parking lot.

I bet you are thinking I have some witty comments about my run...some very personal thoughts that went thru my mind but honestly all I can say is I DID IT! My plan was to run two 5-mile loops but when I was supposed to turn right to finish up the first loop I knew there was a chance I wouldn't go back out for the final 5...so I kept running straight instead of turning. Going straight wasn't on ANY of our training routes but I was convinced it would run into a street that would get me back to the parking lot and I had my phone so I knew I was ok if I got lost. I must admit this was the longest part of the run and I finally had to pull out my phone to check my GPS but I was ok.

I was on my own and I was running and I was OK!

That was around mile 15. Now I knew I just had to keep running because I was not close to the parking lot. My garmin watch tells me my mileage, pace, time...whatever I want to know actually. So that is exactly what I did...I kept running our training routes until I knew I would hit 20.

At mile 19 I was turning the corner to run the final 1 mile into the parking lot and there was Dave and Meg (my coaches along with their son Landon). I was so happy to see them. Meg gave me some super encouraging words and sent me on my way. Tears rolled down (like they are now) as I ran the final stretch in.

I sent some text messages and posted on facebook about my 20 miles because I was so proud. Yep, I'm patting myself on the back because this was a defining moment for me and I wanted to share it with everyone. My biggest flaw...self-doubt. And on a beautiful Saturday morning in less than 4 1/2 hours I kicked my self-doubt to the curb and pray it doesn't return.

I maintained an average moving pace of 10:50 for 20 miles. I'm scared, nervous, excited...I'm feeling every ache and pain my body throws at me. But I think I'm ready...I think my training has paid off. So with lots of prayers and support from those closest to me I believe I am going to cross the finish line.

And if you are so inclined...I am still fundraising!

Do PRs even matter?

2010-09-26T22:35:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, September 26, I participated in the Hills, Heels and Him HALF marathon with two friends - Robin and Nicole. This was Nicole's 1st half marathon. It was Robin's 2nd...and while her IT Band spawned its ugly head and started giving her problems last week she was a trooper and decided to run anyway. It was a perfect running day...overcast, cool and the course was mostly flat. This was my 3rd half marathon this year and I had a goal of getting in under 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Once you've run your first race, you have a PR, or a "Personal Record"...it refers to your best time in a race of a specific distance. So, if you run a 5K race in 33:45, that's your PR for the 5K distance. If you run faster than 32:38 in a subsequent 5K race, then you have a new PR for that distance. You have PRs for different race distances, from 5ks to marathons. Many runners (even beginners) love to talk about their PRs because it helps them stay motivated to keep training and racing. It's also fun to keep track of your PRs so you can refer back to them and record a new one when you achieve it. And of course, I do this!

So when I crossed the finish line and looked at my watch it said 2:28:05! I was overjoyed but only for a moment because that isn't the "official time". In races you wear a "chip" that times you from start to finish. My official time was 2:32:03. So I didn't make my goal, but I definitely have a new PR!

I'm not a "leave everything on the course runner" and I can beat myself all day long over that but I got into running for two reason... (1) to get back into shape and (2) to celebrate Allie's 15th remission last year. So does the PR even matter? Honestly, yes and no.

Yes, because I am results-orientated....so for the most part I need to see improvement and I want to be a stronger runner as time goes by. Who doesn't want to improve? Everyone does. We all need goals to help us stay focused and motivated.
No, because running is my hobby...its my therapy. It isn't my profession and it doesn't define me. I run because I can and it makes me happy. I run because I can help others while being a part of Team in Training.

So all in all...I'm happy! I'm happy with my new PR and I'm happy that I got to share in Nicole's first half marathon and that Robin crossed the finish line with a big smile despite an annoying IT Band.

It was a good race day!

The Amazing Human Body & Philip

2010-09-20T05:57:00.001-05:00

I typed this post "in my head" many times on Saturday while I completed an 18 mile training run and I'm sure it made much more sense then. : ) 18 miles...the farthest I have ever run. It was exhilarating...yet I was drained, both physically and emotionally. I do have to admit I was prepared. I had my Gu, water, banana, oatmeal cookie and some incredible running buddies! What I wasn't prepared for was how one person can feel every tiny movement in their own body...every twinge, tweek, ache and pain. I also wasn't prepared for the roller coaster of emotions I would feel during a 3+ hour run.

About 12 miles into the run I literally couldn't believe that I was running 18 miles. For those that do not know I have never run in my life. I started running last July 2009 to get back in shape. Will and I had both cycled with TNT but not run and we had decided to sign up for the White Rock Relay in December '09 to celebrate Allie's 15th year in remission. I remember asking him, "Do you seriously think I can run 5 miles?"

I had dreamed of running. Laugh if you will but I had...I could see myself running and crossing a finish line, but never had the nerve to try. Was my body even built to run? Will I have the time? Why would someone run when they can use a bike or a car? Yet, I wanted to try and I was determined. My first experience was feeling how liberating it was...the rush of blood your muscles get, the sweat down the side of your face and the sound of your feet striking the ground. I can remember the night I came home July '09 after a 2 mile run in our neighborhood and told Will, "I ran the entire way...I can't believe it...I actually ran the entire 2 miles...I did not walk!"

So here I am many, many miles later...simply humbled and amazed by what the human body and the human spirit can accomplish together! Which leads me to Philip...

On Saturday I started off at 5:30am with Robin to run a 4 mile loop then the team met at 6:30am. Our coaches give instructions, we talk about fundraising and then we have a Mission Moment. A mission moment is when someone on the team talks about their connection to blood cancers and/or why they are involved with TNT. This morning Suzanne spoke. And as she spoke a five year old boy along with his little brother played in the background. It was hard for me to keep my attention directed at her because I was fixated on him...his joy, his smile and his laughter. Plus I was distracted by the first sentence that Suzanne spoke, "Hi, I'm Suzanne, this is my husband John and then she started naming their children... ALL 7!" Yes, I said they have 7 children! Suzanne went on to tell us that Philip was diagnosed with ALL on March 21, 2008, the same week she was giving birth to their youngest child.

Philip, like most children, battling leukemia will receive 3 years of treatment to ensure that he is and remains cancer-free. All this was familiar to me, but what really pulled at my heartstrings was that in December of 2009 Philip was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis (AVN) in his hip. AVN is a disease where there is cellular death (necrosis) of bone components due to interruption of the blood supply. Without blood, the bone tissue dies and the bone collapses.

From Philip's caringbridge site which Suzanne updated on September 10...Philip's doctor states, "there is not much more hip to collapse but there were more signs of bone death in his femur. The good news is that his range of motion is really good and he’s been in very little pain. The physical therapy really helped with his range of motion."

Suzanne goes on to tell the team that due to the AVN (which is a result of high dose steroids) Philip's activity has to be limited...no runing, jumping, climbing..no recess! My heart sank...no running for a 5 year old? Tears streamed down my face. I have two small children...not much younger than Philip and all they want to do is play at recess. I watched Philip in the background throwing a ball to his little brother and more tears. In time, Suzanne told us that hopefully Philip's bone will rejunvenate after all his treatment is complete in 2011.

Again, our amazing bodies! And Philip's amazing spirit!

So I went out for a 6 mile loop with 4 teammates...we were inspired, we were motivated and we are determined to kick cancer's butt. We ran strong for Philip.

We returned to the parking lot to refuel. Then myself, Robin and Nicole headed back out for the last 8 miles. I remember thinking...here we go, can I do this? As I approached mile 12 and had 6 more to go...tears welled in my eyes. I was hot and tired. I don't think my running partners noticed because we had so much sweat pouring down but I cried and I fought to put one foot in front of the other...for Philip and all my other honored heros.

May God bless Philip and his family and know that they are an inspiration to so many others on our TEAM!

Cooking for a Cure!

2010-09-16T06:47:00.002-05:00

Need some NEW RECIPES and want to help others?

Purchase a Cooking for a Cure Cookbook! Over 85 recipes included in the book! Your donation benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is a team fundraiser I am participating in as I train for a marathon on December 5, 2010!

Cookbooks are only $12.00 each. They will make fabulous holiday gifts! If you can't tell Allie and Will are both featured on the cover!

If you want to buy a Cookbook please contact me...

Checks may be made out to me (Dianna Bacon) or cash is accepted (please include name, address and email…on cash donations) so I can enter it directly into the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraising website so the donor gets credit.

Read, Give, Hug...and of course, RUN!

2010-09-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

I must start off in saying that I've got a lot to say so be patient and be prepared to READ, GIVE and HUG!

1. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! So without being too pushy I think everyone should do their part and donate $5.00 to help find a cure! I'm not asking for more... just a mere $5.00! $5.00 is the cost of your Starbucks coffee, a Chic Fil A sandwich, Subway footlong or ice cream at Marble Slab...I could go on but I'll stop because you get my point. Everyone can spare $5.00 and you do it without thinking every day so put that $5.00 towards finding a cure for cancer. And in return for donating $5.00 I will put your name into the POT OF GOLD which gives you a chance of winning over $2,700 in gift cards! Yes that is right...one person will win the entire pot and you'll have all your christmas shopping done and then some!

2. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! If you are a parent hug your child a little tighter tonight and say a prayer for their good health. Georgia, one of my honored heros, has been on my mind lately...so I wanted to give everyone an update on her. I am so happy to say that she returned to school this month. I honestly cried when I read that one simply post from her blog. So many kids wish they never had to go to school again but that was one of the biggest things Georgia missed...being at school with her friends! Also, Georgia was granted a "wish" from Make A Wish Foundation...she will be spending her 11th birthday at Walt Disney World with her family...exactly one year after she was diagnosed with "ALL". Georgia is one strong and determined girl...she is a warrior and I'm proud to have her as one of my honored heros. Knowing her battle...makes me a better person and a more determined runner!

3. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! With each September comes Labor Day...a day of rest and relaxation...yeah right...maybe for some. I spent Labor Day "laboring" in the Labor of Love 10k event with my friend Robin. We woke bright and early to get in 5 miles before the race even started. Then at 8:00am we were off to tackle the 10k (6 miles). A walk in the park...right? WRONG...that 10k was the hillest 6 miles I have EVER run! Those who say Texas is flat should come visit Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney because they have some hills but oddly no downhills : ) Robin and I made it...tired and hot at the end...but oh so happy! That was Race 5 for me! I'm proud to say that we ran the entire way except for the quick walk breaks to refuel and finished in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Our training for Marine Corp is going well...we will be tackling 16 miles next weekend so wish our legs luck!

As always, thanks for your continued support! Every dollar donated, prayer, post to this blog, facebook or email means the world to me!

GO GEORGIA! GO TEAM!

Race 4: Hottest Half

2010-08-30T17:12:00.002-05:00

First off...I gotta give credit where it is due...my running buddy Robin (pictured above with me) designed the image and she did a great job...I love it! Yes I know I'm a graphics teacher but school was just beginning and I simply didn't have the time to be so creative so I am "borrowing" her work...hopefully my students don't follow my lead : )

Robin and I participated in the Hottest Half 10k on Sunday, August 15 and it was HOT! I think we made a very wise decision in only doing the 10k (6 miles) instead of the half (13.1 miles) considering they ran out of water by mile 3! Not to worry...Robin and I are as prepared as you get and we had our fuel belts on with our own water.

This was RACE 4 for me out of the 10 I hope to complete this year. We had a great time and as you can see still had huge smiles on our face at the end. I was really excited to have a new shiny medal for my collection.

Robin and I's next race is the Labor of Love 10k on Labor Day in McKinney...it will mark off Race 5 for me and will help us get prepared for the Marine Corp Marathon which is 61 days away but who's counting??

Winter....are you sure?

2010-08-08T15:48:00.012-05:00

I know it is August and the heat is in triple digits but to me its WINTER...yeah that is right....winter season for Team in Training is here! Even Abi thinks it is winter...as I write this she is dancing around the room singing Jingle Bells. : ) After not running as much as I hoped this summer...I am back and boy does it feel GOOD! Doesn't matter how hot...I'm ready to run!

This season I applied to be a mentor which means I get to help other teammates accomplish their goals. I have three very close friends who joined the team this season and that makes it even more fun to get out there every Saturday morning at 6:30am! Plus Allie will be completing her first half marathon at White Rock this year a week before her 16th year in remission. This time she'll be waiting me for to cross the line. We have a great team and I got to meet most of them this past Saturday at our first training session. The picture below isn't from a race day it was our 3 mile training run...fun, love and even some tears during the mission moment which Allie and I did. I hope to share the team's mission moments on this blog so everyone who reads and those who donate to our events know that there money is truly helping save lives and find a cure!

To give you an update on a goal I posted at the beginning of the year...if all goes as planned I will be completing the following events which will allow me to make my goal of running 10 events in 2010:

Hottest Half 10k
Labor of Love 10k
Heels, Hills & Him half marathon
Marine Corp Marine (my VERY first full marathon) - in Washington DC
San Antonio half marathon
DRC half marathon
White Rock full marathon

The other 3 events were Austin half marathon, Oklahoma City half marathon and the Memorial Day 5k. I hesitate allowing the 5k to be an "event" but we did it as a family and the kids got medals. It was an awesome morning and I meant to blog about it but never got around to it. We all ran the 1k together...Beau ran the entire thing refusing to get in the stroller. Will and I were amazed (and proud) that he wouldn't give up. After the 1k I went on to run the 5k while Will and the kids waited at the finish line. So all in all I think it counts as an event!

Sending prayers, hugs & wishes....and beating the "bad guys"

2010-07-13T12:04:00.004-05:00

In memory of Griffin Yarbrough...today would have been his 12th birthday.

His mother, Monique, has become a dear friend of mine through Team in Training and I wanted to show her how much she has made a difference in the lives of others...by sharing Griffin's story. He battled Neuroblastoma - the "bad guys" as he referred to them.

Monique is amazing...and has completed 6 half marathons in his honor AND she is signed up for 2 more before the end of the year. Her dedication to the cause and finding a cure for ALL types of cancers is an inspiration.

Please take a moment...even though you don't personally know her and her family and send prayers their way.

Your invitation to join us...and be PROUD

2010-06-30T13:39:00.004-05:00

Here's a invitation to everyone....

Has the idea ever crossed your mind to run a marathon or a half? Have you said to yourself...I think I can do that but don't know where to start? Do you say...I want to get back in shape...maybe I should start running? Or do you read this blog and say to yourself, I want to honor someone who is battling leukemia/lymphoma or any other cancer for that matter? Well if the answer is YES to any of those then please pay close attention.

The winter season for Team in Training starts in August. I am a mentor for this team and I would LOVE to have you out there running with me for no other reason then it will change you...all for the better! I will be participating in the San Antonio HALF marathon along with Will and I will also be doing the White Rock FULL marathon!

You pick an event (one of the ones below) and in exchange for top-notch coaching & clinics that will help you successfully cross whatever FINISH LINE and distance you choose...you will change your life...and save someone else's!

Plus you get to run/walk with us each week : ) and meet new friends!

Join our TEAM - Train Endure Achieve Matter!

WINTER EVENTS
Rock 'N Roll San Antonio Half Marathon - Enjoy the River Walk, Sea World, REAL Mexican food, and much more in beautiful San Antonio. Alumni and experienced runners/walkers are welcome to sign up for the full marathon as well.

White Rock Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay - The best local event we offer. Run and walk in your own backyard with your friends and family cheering you on.

Walt Disney Marathon, Half Marathon, and Goofy Challenge - Make a family vacation out of your event, or go GOOFY if you think you can handle it.

If you are interested attend an INFO meeting. They start in July and are all over the metroplex. I will be attending these 3 meetings, but there are more so if you need another location contact me.

Allen - Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Dr., 75013 Sat., July 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Plano Central Market
320 Coit Rd., 75075 Tues., July 27 at 7 p.m.

Denton - Greenhouse Restaurant
600 N. Locust, 76201 Wed., July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Here are a couple more:

Frisco - Cantina Laredo
1125 Legacy Dr., Suite 102, 75034 Tues., July 20 at 7 p.m.

McKinney - Market Street
6100 West Eldorado Pkwy., 75070 Sat., July 17 at 10 a.m.

Is Tahoe REALLY OVER?? ALREADY?

2010-06-18T15:48:00.004-05:00

After doing these endurance events, most of which are outside the Dallas area, I think it is interesting that the first thing I packed (the Wednesday before we left) was my event gear – helmet, shoes, cycle shorts, jersey, and food….I was leaving Friday morning June 4 and hadn’t even packed a change of clothes and we were gone for 4 days! I did manage to throw a few changes of clothes in a bag at the last minute : )

Ok – Tahoe was already 2 weekends ago so my apologies that this is late but we got back from Tahoe on Monday June 7 late at night, got caught up on our home-life routine and then left again on Friday for a wedding in Austin. We are back to some semblance of reality and I have sorted through all the thoughts and feelings of the training season and event and I might actually be able to make sense enough to put everything down on paper. First, of all the events we have done, this is by far the one I have looked forward to the most since I met Dianna in 2000. She had completed Tahoe a few months before we met and really displayed a sense of accomplishment and pride – both qualities that I found attractive – and it was certainly the catalyst for my involvement with TNT. So for me, personally, the Tahoe event was 9 years in the making and I can’t even begin to articulate how excited I was so I am not going to try – let’s just say I was totally pumped…enough said!

Before totally focusing my thoughts 100% on this weekend, I have spent a significant amount of time thinking about the past 6 months – most notably my new friends and my new honored hero Georgia. I guess (for me) it all started when we signed up for the White Rock Marathon to honor Allie’s remission. Dianna and I wanted to do something for her and with TNT but I didn’t really expect much more after that – I kind of went into it with the thought that we would train and finish the event and then go back to doing events and training on our own without a team. Those thoughts changed for me when I met David and Meg Burdette – our White Rock Marathon coaches. As a coaching “team” they were simply wonderful in how they helped the entire team train – from beginners to seasoned marathoners. The way they displayed kindness and respect to everyone was simply a life lesson in how we should treat others the way we want to be treated. Not only were they great to the team but even more important was no matter how cold, hot, miserable, or tired we all were Dave and Meg made sure that we spent time at EVERY training session to remember our honored heroes and why we were there. There were times that were sad, happy, funny, and touching but Dave and Meg never forget (or let us forget) the importance of what we do and who we do it for. They alone are responsible for our continued participation and efforts with TNT….so thank you to Dave and Meg!

To continue the theme of new friends and new honored heroes, it was distressing to hear from a high school friend of Dianna that one of her family members (Georgia) was diagnosed on her 10th birthday in December. I knew that this was all we needed as a “sign” that we had to keep going, we had to keep fundraising, we had to keep up the momentum, we had to keep training with the team, and we had to let Georgia and her family know that, although they were just hit with a life changing event, and even though we did not know them, they were not alone. So after embarking on this new mission, we continue to be happy to pass along the reports that Georgia is doing well with treatment, she is in remission, and almost to her full maintenance phase of treatment. Every time I tell someone Georgia’s story I think about how a strong-willed little girl, advances in medicine, and the generosity of all our friends and family can make such a monumental difference – not just in beating one case of Leukemia but in the overall fight to end it once and for all. While I am thinking of everyone’s generosity, I have also been thinking that it is important to remind everyone where donations go. A great example is a drug called Gleevac which was formulated by a Doctor that was funded by a grant from The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Gleevac works by targeting, and turning off, specific proteins in cancer cells that cause the cancer cells to grow and multiply. The great thing about Gleevac is it is a pill, it works well with newly diagnosed patients, and provides treatment without chemotherapy! Please know, remember, and be proud that pledging a donation doesn’t end when the check is sent – that is simply the beginning of a process that ultimately helps save lives! In fact, I have a teammate, Krissy Drupp, that rode Tahoe with us and she currently takes Gleevac. Krissy was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in February 2009 and she will take Gleevac every day for the rest of her life. Simply amazing…is what comes to mind! Krissy was also featured in the TNT June newsletter and stated that her positive attitude made her a success for the 100 mile ride and she couldn't have done it without her "new TNT family!"

Now for the ride!! All through the training season the Tahoe alumni all said the same thing – “it is never windy in Tahoe”….well Mother Nature must have known I was coming because it was windy….20mph gusts. Fortunately, training in Texas prepares any cyclist for the wind but when you couple it with mountains it becomes a bit more challenging. The morning started out sunny, chilly, crisp, dry, and quiet – a perfect morning to start a ride. Lake Tahoe is beautiful – snow capped mountains, blue water, white sand, and spectacular views from the mountain roads. 12 miles in was our first significant climb – Emerald Bay – about 800 feet of climbing over a 4 mile stretch of switch-back road. Good thing this climb was at the beginning because it was tough. Our team started the ride earlier than most so I did not see anyone get off their bike to walk up. What I did see, and I am likely one of these, was folks that were spinning their cranks just enough to stay upright to get up the mountain. The great thing about climbs like this is what goes up must come DOWN!!! The other side was almost straight down for about 800 feet over about 2 miles which was nothing short of thrilling. The middle 50 miles was fairly uneventful as it was mostly flat with rolling hills. The last rest stop came at mile 72 at which point the climbing started again…this time roughly 1000 feet over 8 miles. The climb itself wasn’t too bad except for the fact it was toward the end of the ride and most folks are getting tired. I came into this rest stop thinking I should he happy as the ride was almost done. But for some reason I wasn’t feeling the excitement of most of the others. I knew I would make it through the ride and I knew the coaches prepared us adequately. I had completed many tough training rides, finished the Shiner event a few weeks prior, and managed through all the typical aches and pains of training. I knew that I had done everything to get through all the climbing so I wasn’t worried about what lay ahead of me in terms of riding. As I look back on it I was thinking about what lay ahead of me after the ride. I was riding toward the end of the season, the end of training, the end of Saturday morning rides with the Team, and ultimately the end of something I had looked forward to for so long. I was definitely sad because in my mind I was riding to THE end. I didn’t really know how to articulate my feelings at the time so I made it a quick rest stop and told Dianna I was just ready to go. Ultimately, I almost felt that it wasn’t fair that I was done and many of our honored heroes – like Georgia – are still almost at the beginning. I spent 6 months training for this event and the season all came to a close in one day. Georgia, and many others, undergo 3 years of treatment and a lifetime of concern that their Leukemia might come back. So in a way I was feeling like I didn’t want our season to be over – I wanted to keep going because I knew our momentum was amazing and ultimately, I felt like every time our team went “out for a spin” we were there with our honored heroes, fighting right along beside them.

We will continue our momentum with TNT as Dianna has already signed up for more running events and will likely be mentoring on the winter run/walk season which begins in August (again with Dave and Meg as our coaches), so it isn’t really over for the Bacons with a Cause. Dianna is running her first FULL marathon on October 31…the 35th anniversary of the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington DC…one of the top 10 in the nation. She is doing this to celebrate her 35th birthday which is the week before. She also registered both of us for the San Antonio Rock and Roll Half Marathon in November – the weekend of our 8th Anniversary. Meg said she knew we were hooked because we sign up for endurance events to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. We have to agree with Meg and think it is easy to see where our minds are these days. I think this past year may very well be just the beginning for us! We also think we got our kids hooked as we ran in a Memorial day 1k and our little man who is almost 3 ran the entire 1k…he refused to get in the stroller. It was a proud parent moment to say the least!

Thanks so much for all the generosity everyone has shown - every little bit helps and there are many ways to donate money or time. Since the first funding in 1954, LLS has awarded more than $680 million in research funding….donor funding, your funding, so be proud that you are all part of the fight!

Until next time – keep Georgia on your Mind and be on the lookout for more from Bacons with a Cause! If you are considering completing an endurance event…please contact us as the winter season begins in August and we’d love to have you on our team!

Oh and one more thing…as you watch the video Dianna put together…the red cowboy hats on our helmets help others know what chapter we are from. Remember there were 3300 cyclists in the event and 1300 are Team in Training all wearing very similar jerseys…so each chapter wears something symbolic on their helmets. It is very entertaining for all the spectators!

Tahoe...Check

2010-06-10T22:15:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was fast and furious...there wasn't much down time in Tahoe as everyone got checked in, went for test rides and prepared for the big event! Tahoe was beautiful...and the weather couldn't have been better for a century ride. I won't go into detail about Will's ride...I'll leave him to post all that next week but I wanted to let everyone know that he did complete America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride...all 100.96 miles!

Also, a very interesting note is that Sunday, June 6 was also National Cancer Survivor's Day! We want everyone to be a survivor which is why we participate in events like this...to raise money for research because research saves lives. And that wouldn't be possible without each of you...our friends and family who donated!

Lastly, I want to share that this past Monday was Georgia's last day of Interim Maintenance - that means 3 phases of primary treatment down, 1 to go! From what her mom said...the last one is the toughest, but it's also the LAST one before maintenance. So every day will bring Georgia one day closer to her finish line! Please continue to send thoughts and prayers her way!

So that's all for now...look out for Will's post next week.

Tahoe...here we come!

2010-06-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

So Will's ride is this Sunday, June 6 with a start time of 6:00am! There will be 3300 cyclists that day completing either a 72 mile or 100 mile course. All Team in Training participants ride the 100 mile course. Here's a little more about America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride...

The ride circumnavigates the highways clockwise around Lake Tahoe in both Nevada and California adding an out and back on Highway 89/ Bike Trail to visit historic Truckee, California. It includes a challenging 800 foot climb to a rest stop overlooking Emerald Bay and a 1,000 foot climb to Spooner Junction (which as you can see above in the elevation map begins at mile 80 and peaks at mile 88). There are also many short rolling ascents and descents totaling over 2,600 vertical feet of elevation gain! The altitude ranges between 6,300 feet and 7,100 feet above sea level and the ride is recommended for conditioned recreational bicyclist, not for beginners. On the downhills the riders can be at speeds of 45mph!

The ride is also proud to be the century selected by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Program where participants from over 69 different cities across the country will raise over $8.5 million to support their mission of finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for their patients and families.

Please keep Will in your thoughts & prayers this weekend as well as all the other cyclists. I'd like to ask for a special prayer to go out to the family & friends of Fred Brickner. He was a teammate of our dear friends, Tommy & Sharon, who live in Orange County (CA) and will be cycling along side Will this Sunday. They were finishing an 85 mile training ride on May 22 and at mile 82 Fred collasped. A fellow teammate called 911 but they could not revive him. This would have been Fred's 5th time to complete the Tahoe century...to read how he got started visit his TNT page...its quite a story!

So to my amazing husband who has made me incredibly proud completely two centuries in a month and all TNT cyclists...Good luck!

GO TEAM!

Shiner Down, Tahoe to Go….and video included!

2010-05-18T08:11:00.006-05:00

For those keeping up with our posts, I apologize for the delay in getting the Shiner update. Things have been busy since the event – training, kids, work, more training, more kids, more work but that’s not excuse so here we go….

The Austin to Shiner Century Ride was fantastic. The entire event benefits the American Cancer Society and our Team rides for The Leukemia Society so over 1000 riders pedaled to Shiner raising a ton of money to help wipe out all sorts of cancer. Some were riding in honor of another, some were riding to train, and others were riding just for fun but everyone had 2 common goals – get to Shiner and raise some money in the effort to wipe out cancer…absolutely awesome!!

Prior to the ride, Courtney and Trevor Moore (Georgia’ parents) met us at the starting line. It was so great to have them there and I don’t think I could really express how much it meant to me personally to see them right before we left. It was like a little boost of energy and a little bit of calming for pre-race jitters at the same time. They watched as we rolled out which I think was exciting for them too as they saw hundreds of cyclists rolling down the street….pretty cool if you have never seen something like that before! We had another opportunity to spend time with Georgia and her whole family the next day when we went to a blood drive that was being held in Georgia’s honor. Once it was all said and done, the whole weekend was seemingly “dedicated” to fundraising and volunteering from thousands of people all for the same cause. Selfless (and of course inspiring) are what comes to mind when thinking about all the folks that gave their time on a beautiful weekend in Austin.

Now to the ride – wake up call at 5am – we were meeting downstairs at 6 to head to the start. The day started out a little overcast and cool but NO WIND….at least not yet – this after all is Texas and you never know what to expect weather-wise. As I mentioned in a previous post, my plan was to ride with my Team a little more since we have become close over the past few months and I think it is cool when you see a bunch of folks grouped together wearing the TNT jerseys….the jersey’s really stand out, everyone knows what they are and what they mean, and it really signifies the spirit of the Team. We all started out strong knowing that the faster we rode the less chance there was that we would get caught in the wind. Dianna, her mom, grandma, nephew, and our kids were at a rest stop at mile 35 – this was the first time the kids have seen “daddy” on event day so it was really special to me when I pulled up and saw them holding the signs they made to cheer me (and the Team) on. I saw them at 2 more stops and was looking forward to it knowing that I was only going to see them a few times on the course. I remember thinking as we all drove to Austin on Friday – all 7 of us – that this was going to be crazy and I was going to be worried about the kids and they weren’t going to sleep in the hotel etc, etc, etc…all that went away when I saw Dianna, Abi, and Beau at the first rest stop. Later, I confessed to Dianna that I did not think it was (initially) a good idea that we bring the kids with us, but ended up thanking her later for insisting. It was really special and Dianna and the family did a great job of making sure that I had plenty of time to rest and recover pre- and post- ride. Thank you Fran for all your help!

As ride day went on, there was a pack of us that rode together, sometimes spread over a mile or so and sometimes in a paceline. While I always find inspiration and strength from thinking about Georgia, Allie, and our other honored heroes, I found myself thinking a lot about the Team and why each of them were there. Nick for example, a young, early 20’s, recent Texas A&M grad that lost his brother to Leukemia a few years ago; and Matt (whose wife Jess is also on the Team) who lost a grandparent; and Tex, whose kids are grown and doesn’t have a real significant connection to LLS but is by far one of the most positive men I have ever met; and Kim who has 2 adult brothers that were both diagnosed with Leukemia and she pledges not to get off her bike until they are both in remission; and Coach Becky who gave bone marrow to someone she did not know so that he could live for another 9 months; and the list goes on but my thoughts kept coming back to the fact that some of our Team has a connection to Leukemia and some don’t but what brings everyone together is the CHOICE to do something. Each person on the Team, our Coaches Becky and Tracy, Amber our TNT coordinator, our captains Tommy and Becky, and every participant has made the decision to not sit back and do nothing – they get up and train, fundraise, work, raise families, and ultimately decide that they are going to use their good health in the best way they know how - to honor a loved one, to lead by example, and to make a difference in the lives of our honored heroes. The past few months have been amazing – I have talked about being inspired by Georgia and her family, I continue to talk about my gratitude to Dianna and Allie for introducing me to such a wonderful and meaningful cause, I talked about training and the benefits (physical and mental) that come from pushing yourself but I guess I always felt like I was leaving something out. During the Shiner event I realized that the Team was the “shout out” I was forgetting. In our lives we all come across a person/people that are inherently good, selfless, and inspiring. As luck has it for me, I have spent the last 6 months with a Team of people that live the qualities I admire. For that I am humbled and grateful.

Now it is on to Tahoe – just a few short weeks away! A special thanks to my Dad, Bill and stepmom Debbie for coming to Shiner for the afternoon to see me cross the finish line - we are looking forward to having them in Tahoe to cheer us on too.

More posts to come as we wind down the training season and prepare for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride!! And instead of just a few pictures...Dianna put together a video of the weekend. GO TEAM!

Life is a journey, a marathon (or a century ride!)

2010-05-14T11:09:00.005-05:00

I know we promised a full blog entry about Shiner...but we've had a crazy week and if you don't know you kind of have to "feel it" when you are writing for a blog...you want it to be heart-felt yet entertaining. And I gotta cut Will some slack...that man has been busy training as the Lake Tahoe Century is right around the corner...22 days to be exact! But he says he is working on the update.

What I have to say is not funny but truly from the heart...and I wanted to share it with you. Some of you might be shocked because if you know us well....you know that Will and I are very private with our affection. Will sent this poem to me the day before we left for his Austin to Shiner ride and it touched me...he said he came across it on the internet and thought it was "timely". Well "timely" got me thinking about our life together. So if you spare me a couple minutes...I'm going to share some thoughts (and feelings!).

Will and I embarked upon our "journey" 10 years ago - it was fast and furious...getting to know each other, falling in love, traveling together and getting married in 2002. Over the next couple years we experienced all types of rolling hills...as most relationships do. We kept moving...pushing on towards something, but I don't think either of us knew exactly what that was. Both of us continuing to find our way as individuals and together as couple. Then in 2006, we were blessed with Abigail and the speed of life increased significantly because Beau came 15 months later...more blessings, but at times, the pace was hard to handle so we leaned on each other as well as family and friends. It was a whirlwind of growth, change and emotions...talk about peaks and valleys! We were no longer a couple but a family...a TEAM. And who doesn't want to be part of team? Life was good. This past year has been fast, flat and exciting....soaring at times yet in an odd way, we found our groove...the pace that makes you feel like you can go forever. Because simply stated, a team is less "me" and more "WE"...and I like that. I like that I have others who depend on me (mostly the kids) but I also like that I can depend on them (mostly Will). I like that together we will continue on this journey through life with every type of terrain before us with no end in sight. GO TEAM BACON!

Life is a journey, a marathon (or a century ride!)

It begins. It ends.

Life is a contest of endurance with hills and valleys, peaks and depths.

A roller coaster ride. One we have little say in the choosing.

Captives of the rail, we journey from beginning to end.

Along the way, we learn that what is important is not the speed with which we transverse the distance, but the determination by which we traverse it.

There will be those who begin with swiftness and sureness only to finish laboriously and with uncertainty.

Others will begin slowly and gain momentum to rage towards the finish line.

BUT, no matter.

We will all finish the line.

There will be no losers.

Each of us benefiting from the richness of the journey.

Sometimes, benefiting from the journey of others!

The 2010 TIME 100

2010-05-11T13:48:00.003-05:00

No, we didn't actually write this blog entry, but we had to share it.... And Yes...we know its been over a week since Shiner and we still have not updated our blog...Will is working on that post and it will be here soon with photos, I promise.

And even though I couldn't be more proud of Will's 100 miles from Austin to Shiner (in 5 hours and 23 minutes...a teaser to his entry) this letter below ROCKS...and had to be posted!

This is YOUR money...the money you give to individuals like Will and I. So all of us together, really make a difference in helping fund (and find) a cure! GO TEAM!

LLS Funded Researcher is on Time Magazine's List of 100 Most Influential People

Dear Friend of LLS:

I am pleased to share exciting news about Larry Kwak, M.D., Ph.D., a researcher funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Dr. Kwak was recently named one of TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People," for his role in advancing custom-made vaccines for patients with lymphoma.

Dr. Kwak, professor and chair of the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, has focused his work on harnessing the power of the immune system of patients with follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to fight their cancer. The vaccines are developed by taking proteins from the patient's own tumor, training them to find and kill lymphoma cells and then injecting them back into the patient. Currently in late stage clinical trials, the vaccines have been shown to extend disease-free survival for more than a year.

In 2007, LLS awarded Dr. Kwak a five-year, $6.25 million Specialized Center of Research grant, our most prestigious research award. These grants are distinctive in that they encourage at least three laboratories at the same or different institutions to work together. In addition to continuing his work on the personalized lymphoma vaccines, this grant is enabling Dr. Kwak to expand his research to develop immunotherapies for patients with leukemia and myeloma as well.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Kwak has been on the cutting edge of researching and developing novel immunotherapies that are already showing a clear benefit for patients with cancer. We are proud of Dr. Kwak's well-deserved recognition and are honored to have played a role in helping to advance this life-saving work.

To read more about Dr. Kwak's inclusion in the "2010 Time 100" please visit Time Magazine's website, and to learn more about our Research programs visit www.LLS.org. Please join us in taking pride in Dr. Kwak's achievements.

Sincerely,
John E. Walter
President & CEO (LLS)

Our “Endurance Weekend” --- and I am now convinced Muenster is German for Monster…

2010-04-26T21:16:00.003-05:00

This past weekend starts to wrap up the training season as the Shiner GASP approaches this weekend. On Saturday, I rode the Muenster Germanfest Bike Rally, then jumped right in the car to meet Dianna in Oklahoma City for the 10th annual OKC Memorial Marathon and Half-Marathon.

A little about the Muenster Rally – it is 62 miles, very hilly, some rough road, crowded, and when windy a very challenging ride. All those conditions were very present including wind, wind, and more wind. 30 mph gusts at times and we only had about 15 miles where the wind was truly at our back. I started the ride worried that I would not make it in time to OKC to meet up with Dianna (and our friends) for dinner because the wind was howling with no sign of letting up….have I mentioned before that wind is not your friend when riding a bike?? I decided it was the last training ride before Shiner so I might as well go for it and leave all I had on the course. I did just that while perfecting some skills that needed a little work – like opening granola bars, eating cookies, and washing down electrolyte chomps all while riding. I stopped twice to refill bottles, load my jersey up with snacks, and text Dianna with progress reports. The wind was ridiculous and at times I caught myself thinking (and saying) some things that aren’t fit to print. Dianna sent back some texts with the words of encouragement I needed, took the stress off a little, and ultimately I finished in 4 hours 15 minutes - 4 hours and 4 minutes of actual pedal time. Not bad considering the wind but I had nothing left when I got to the car. That said, I felt fairly proud that I finished the way I did because at the Shiner event I will not really have a time constraint – I really just need to finish and while I did not ride much with my team in Muenster, I plan to ride with them a little more on the route to Shiner. Besides, the training rides are sometimes nice to ride alone as it provides some nice thinking time to keep things in perspective.

Now that Muenster was behind me, it was on to OKC to meet up with Dianna. I made it just in time to grab a quick shower and head to dinner. This was Dianna’s second half-marathon of the year and one of the steps on her quest to run the 35th annual Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC in October. We had a relaxing dinner with friends on Saturday evening and as tempting as it was to really let our hair down and have some cocktails, we all knew 4:30am was going to come awfully early…..did I mention the run started at 6:30am?? Wake up call at 4:30 - although I don’t think either of us slept that well anticipating the event. It was a wonderful and memorable event with 168 seconds of silence at the start to honor the 168 victims that died in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing. Dianna did great, beating her actual run time from the Austin half-marathon in February….but of course, being the perfectionist that she is, wasn’t happy with the time and vows to do some speed work to keep improving her time….amazing and inspiring are the only 2 words that can describe how I felt as I remember us spending a few private moments together when she was done.

Back to my thoughts on the “thinking time” and Dianna’s texts I mentioned above. When I was riding Muenster, she sent me a few texts, one that simply read – “remember you don’t HAVE to do this – you GET to do this”. That statement alone kept me pushing hard toward the finish – not so much because I was trying to hurry, now I was remembering why I am doing the Shiner and Tahoe events. There are so many folks that do not “get” to do this because they are in treatment, are too weak to even walk at times, can’t get out of the house much because their immune systems are suppressed, and the list goes on. I remembered that I am doing this for Georgia, for all people diagnosed with blood cancers, and for all the people who continue to support us with their generous donations to the Leukemia Society. A few simple words in a text message (from the only person that it could mean something from) that brought me back to where I needed to be – not worried about dinner, or making good time to OKC, but back on the course with Georgia on my mind and thinking that it was all our supporters that were the wind for 15 miles on my back!

Will

Goals & Sweet 16...

2010-04-06T14:51:00.006-05:00

If you read my very first blog entry...my goal was to run a half marathon every month in 2010; however, finding a half marathon in Texas every month that I was available to run has proved to be quite difficult. Therefore, I have had to amend my goal to complete 10 events in 2010. In 2 1/2 weeks I will complete my 2nd event -the Oklahoma City Memorial HALF marathon. I am not running this event as a current member of Team in Training because we are focused on fundraising for Will's two cycling events this season, but as always, I run in honor of Allie & Georgia and all the other children who have been affected by cancer. But I won't be alone on the course, the Spring TNT team will be there and I'm also running with a friend of mine and this is her FIRST half marathon, so we are in for a good time!

With all that being said about goals...I wanted to share with you a TNT alumni whose goals for 2010 are an inspiration to me & many others. His name is Don Armstrong. He is a "courageous leukemia survivor celebrating his 5th year in remission by running 10 marathons and raising $500,000 to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Armstrong is running not only to celebrate his survival and raise money for the cause, but also runs for those who cannot finish their race." I encourage each of you to visit his website which I also linked on the right sidebar. We, of course, have encouraged all our friends and family to help Will meet his fundraising goal (and thank you for your support!) but I also encourage you to donate $5 to Don's goal and further help the mission of LLS to find a cure for blood cancers! You can also follow Don on Twitter or FB.

And finally, I want to SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS that my niece, Allie, turned 16 today and got her drivers license (I did some editing to the photo for all those seeking to make a fake ID)! She is beautiful inside and out and I pray for her continued good health. She is hoping to run the Dallas White Rock relay or half marathon this year in honor of another high school student from Frisco, Morgan Watson, who is fighting Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

I am looking forward to reaching my goals and helping Allie meet hers!

Will, Wind & Thanks

2010-03-27T15:55:00.007-05:00

Written by Will...

Just completed 44 mile training ride in 20-30 mph winds....needless to say it was tough. 2 weeks ago we trained south of Dallas around Joe Pool Lake which is my least favorite training ride of the year. It is far from home, unfamiliar, hilly, and since it is by the lake it is always windy - which for those who do not ride a bike - let me be the first to tell you that wind is not always your friend when you are riding. No matter which way you turn it always seems that you are fighting it. The anticipation of the ride in the week leading up to it always makes me try to find an excuse on why I don't need to make that ride. On my final turn back toward the finish, I had about 10 miles into the wind. I thought alot about why I don't like that course and like a ton of bricks it hit me - what it must be like for our honored heros when they go to treatment - they have to leave their home, go to an unfamiliar place, usually far from home, and anticipate a variety of treatment that most likely involves needles and medication that leaves them feeling bad and unable to keep food down. After I thought about it I realized that my 10 miles into the wind was nothing in comparison and I finished with a little more perspective.

Please check out Georgia's blog by clicking on her picture to the right. Her mom Courtney assembled a team and participated in St. Baldricks. It is an awesome, inspirational event so please go to the site and look at the video and pictures. As a teaser, Courtney had her head shaved on TV in Austin the day before (photo above).

We are also happy to report that, aside from the "normal" bumps in the road, Georgia continues to do well. When you check out the blog for St. Baldricks, please leave your comments - the support that everyone shows has been amazing - we need to keep the momentum going.

Last thing, TNT made some changes to my fundraising site and the names of donors have not been moved over yet. We do anticipate that it will happen in the next few days. Thanks so much for everyone's support and we do intend to have that recognition back up soon. Thanks again for the generosity you have shown to support this cause. We are doing this in honor of Georgia - and remember - your generosity goes toward helping so many other kids just like her.

Get Up and Go!

2010-03-26T15:18:00.008-05:00

I found that over the course of the last 9 months I have truly enjoyed running and I think I do a decent job at it. But we all hit stubbling blocks...illness, injury, travel, work obligations and most often simply being tired.

I started running to honor Allie and her 15th year in remission. Yes, there was a bit of selfishness in it because I wanted to get back into shape but we have been involved with TNT since 1996 so my heart was in the right place. I thought training would be the struggle but it wasn't. Training with a team is fun and motivating. I was inspired every Saturday as another teammate told their mission moment (why they got involved with TNT).

My personal struggle is lacing up the shoes on my own since January. I'm no longer part of the team...I'm still an alumni and can go out and run with them but its not "my team." Will is part of the cycling team as he trains for Shiner & Tahoe and I quiz him every Saturday when he gets home from cycling....how was it? who did the mission moment? Etc, etc! Running after work is especially hard because quite frankly I'd rather be eating dinner with my family or playing with my kids. But as Will & I joke, "If Mom ain't happy, ain't no one happy" and Will knows that running makes me happy!

I also know that my running (and Will's cycling) is teaching our kids what a healthy life style is about. The picture above was their first "race"...the Piddy Paddy Dash. It was a 50 yard dash and they received a medal at the finish (plastic yet still a medal). Abi beamed all day and asked when can she do another. They were outfitted in TNT gear, of course! The healthy lifestyle is easy for them to understand - eat your fruits and veggies, treats on occassions & play outside alot (aka their exercise). But getting them to understand what we do is also about helping others is the hard part. Will has started showing Abi pictures of Georgia and explaining why she lost her hair. The kids also wear the Georgia bracelets and we include her in our prayers at night. Its a fine line because we don't want them to be scared if they get sick but we want them to begin to understand why we do what we do!

Children with cancer or anyone for that matter do not have a choice on whether they want to get up and go to treatment. Nor do they have the choice whether the cancer will win or they will...that is all in God's hands. But Will & I do have a choice...we have a choice to run, cycle and raise money to help find a cure. We make the choice to GET UP AND GO!

If you are so inclined to GET UP AND GO with us...please click on the cycling image to the right and donate to Will's fundraising. He is only about $500 away from his goal!

Go Team!

ps...Needless to say I'll be signing up with the winter TNT team again this year. : )

No Matter Your Cause...

2010-03-09T13:20:00.005-06:00

No matter your cause...no matter what charity you donate to...no matter how much or little you can give...DO SOMETHING and make a difference!

In memory of Layla Grace Marsh who went to play with the angels early this morning.

May she rest in peace.

Did you know?

2010-03-09T11:55:00.004-06:00

Did you know that each year, 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide. Cancer is the number one disease killer of children in the U.S. and Canada.

In regards to blood cancers...every 4 minutes one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer and every ten minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer! This statistic represents nearly 146 people each day, or more than six people every hour.

Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20. In general, the likelihood of dying from most types of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma decreased from 1996 to 2005 (data from 06/2009). And why did it decrease...RESEARCH!

I hope you're asking...how can I help...and of course, I've got answers!

1. Make a direct donation to Will's fundraising, click the image on the right and give what you can...every $1 counts so even a $5 donation makes a difference. If you can't donate maybe you know someone who can so forward our link.

2. Got hair and live in Austin? Willing to shave it off...well join Georgia's team for St. Baldrick's and shave it off, click Georgia's image on the right to go to her blog and learn more!

3. Can't make a monetary donation, contact your local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society office and see how you can volunteer.

4. Sign up with Team in Training to train for an endurance event...get in shape, change your life and help others fight this horrible disease!

Research saves lives and in order for research to happen we must raise money!

Its not always fun asking for donations, but it is necessary to find a cure...so help us FIND A CURE!

Heart-Wrenching

2010-03-01T15:36:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure who is all following or even looked at our blog at this point but if ONLY ONE person sees this post I will be happy.

Today I read about a child from Houston, TX with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, Layla Grace. Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor(s) that develop from nerve tissue and it occurs in infants and children. She has had the fight of her life for the past 10 months and is losing the battle, as I type this, to this horrible disease. I cannot even phathom what her parents must be going through. The parents last post was very difficult for me to read, simply heart-wrenching, but my goal of posting this was to ask each person who reads her story to pause for a moment and say a prayer to help lessen her pain. I just can't stop thinking of her.

May God be with Layla and her family.

Why Two Countdowns?

2010-02-26T15:51:00.005-06:00

If you read the two previous posts you may be wondering why there are two countdowns (to the right)? Well, on February 2 we received news that Georgia was in REMISSION and upon receiving that incredible news Will decided to set a new goal. Not only will he train and ride in the Shiner Century but also the LLS Team in Training flagship Century in Lake Tahoe, NV. These events are within one month of each other, and while it will be difficult, the overwhelming support of Georgia and LLS inspired him to do just a little bit more.

With that being said we had to raise his fundraising goal to $3600, so we encourage you to share this page with anyone who might be willing to help. Will and I also got to spend some time with Georgia and her family on February 13 while in Austin for the Austin marathon. Will presented her with a Texas flag that was flown over the Capitol on the day of her remission. It was great visit and we look forward to seeing Georgia again in May before Will heads out for his 100 miles to Shiner!

As I mentioned the other reason for going to Austin was so I could complete my FIRST HALF MARATHON along with two of my closest friends - Wendy and Beverley. I was a little worried about the weather because this was the week it "iced" in Dallas but it turned out to be a beautiful day. My goal is to complete a HALF marathon every month in 2010 (if I can find one)...so we'll see how that goes.

Honored Hero

2010-02-26T15:40:00.002-06:00

Immediately following White Rock Will signed up to train for the Shiner GASP, a 100 mile cycle event from Austin to Shiner, TX. Allie has always been our honored hero but in December a high school friend sent me an email. The email was about a family member named Georgia. Georgia is a 10 year old who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on her 10th birthday...December 30, 2009. Will and I were so touched by her story that we contacted her parents to ask if she would be Will's honored hero for his cycling event. You can read more about Georgia's story by clicking on her picture to the left - she has a blog too called Keepin Georgia on Your Mind. We visit Georgia's website almost daily and correspond regularly with her parents. We even went down to Austin to meet her (another post coming soon on that).

It is truly amazing the amount of inspiration adults can draw from children like Georgia. She has six months of treatment plus two years of maintenance ahead of her...needless to say this makes the aches and pains of training seem minor by comparison. Simply said if Georgia can battle cancer Will can ride 100 miles in her honor and let her know she and her family are not alone in this battle.

Georgia and her family have been instrumental in helping Will with his fundraising goals and we cannot thank them enough. Georgia's family and friends along with ours have been so generous.

If you are interested in donating please click the iSupport link on the right and help FIND A CURE! GO TEAM!

How We Started

2010-02-01T10:50:00.002-06:00

For those that don't know...my niece, Allie, was diagnosed in 1994 with Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). She was a mere 7 1/2 months old. She underwent 2 1/2 years of treatment and is now a healthy, happy high school student. Throughout the years our family and friends have participated in a number of Team in Training endurance events benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Most recently, Will, Allie and myself trained for the Dallas White Rock marathon relay event on December 13, 2009, in celebration of Allie's 15th year in remission. It was a joyous occassion and one that will be remembered for years to come. Will and I really enjoyed getting back in shape and doing something that benefited others, so we decided to keep training for future events which led me to setting up this blog - Bacons for a Cause. Our hope is that it will eliminate many of the emails we send out regarding updates and donation requests. Our wish is that each of you become a "follower" of our blog and help us FIND A CURE! GO TEAM!

One NOTE: We have turned on the comment moderator; therefore, if you reply to our post it must be approved before it will show. So please only post once and then check back later. Thanks.