What have I gotten myself into?

On June 3rd of this year, just a few months after my 30th birthday, I will be running my first ever half-marathon!

What could have inspired me to attempt to turn myself into a half marathon runner? Am I crazy, am I going through an early mid-life crisis as I approach the big 30? I’ve certainly never been a runner or even contemplated running 13+ miles! In fact my exercise program to date has consisted of walking 20 - 30 mins. 2-3 times a week - that is of course if the weather is good. I've never been a big fan of exercising in the cold or running for that matter. So why would I want to commit to running 5-6 times a week often early in the morning and in the cold?

Two dear friends, Sarah Dasher, who has been a great friend of mine since college and Sarah's boyfriend of 6 years, Ryan Watton were the biggest influences on my decision to take this challenge. Ryan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma right before Thanksgiving last year. Hearing that Ryan had cancer was such a shock and really opened my eyes to the fact that it can and does happen to anyone. When Sarah asked if I’d like to go to an informational meeting about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training I was excited to go see what it was all about. I'll have to admit that in the back of my mind I was thinking that there was no way I was going to sign up to run a half-marathon but I thought I might be able to find another way to contribute. So we attended one of the January meetings where we watched an inspiring video about the program and talked with some very enthusiastic Team In Training staff members and past participants. After hearing stories of the many other "non-runners" who have taken the Team In Training challenge and have completed their marathons, triathlons, etc. I was inspired. The next thing I know Sarah and I were signing up for the San Diego Rock n' Roll half marathon.

We will be running for our honored hero, Ryan, the estimated 785,829 Americans living with blood cancers right now and in memory of those who have lost their battle with a blood cancer. In return for the support and training we'll receive from the Team in Training coaches and staff to reach our goal Sarah and I each pledged to raise at least $4,000 in donations.

I am starting this blog as a way to track my progress, and also to solicit support and feedback from my friends as I pass on the message of hope that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society promotes. Thank you for supporting this cause with me!