What's this all about?

(First morning of practice—after we ran, hence the rosy cheeks and messy hair)

I have officially been a member of "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training" for four days. I have sat several times at my computer screen trying to come up with the perfect words to personalize my website. And they haven't come. So, here I am, telling my story, which compared to many involved in this amazing Team is seemingly "nothing."

As my busy season at work started to spiral to an end, I started to realize that I needed something for me. I needed some time to take care of myself. One could say I did a quick round of soul searching and realized that I was getting sucked into a routine of work, work work and very little play. I love Rick and Jackson to pieces, but I think everyone can understand that a mom needs a break to get out, get some space and come home a refreshed mom and wife. So I set out, looking for something. My goal was large. Find something that allows me to get out, meet some new local people with similar interests and heck, it would be nice if somewhere in there I could get some exercise!

I thought for a while about what this could be, I chatted with a few friends and was very quickly directed to "Team in Training." What is Team in Training you ask? I won't be able to even begin to do this description justice, but in a nutshell, they provide training for athletic races, in return for you raising money for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (much, much more information is available here). This team is by far one of the most amazing team's I have ever seen. Coaches volunteer their time, mentors hold your hand while raising funds themselves all to ultimately race together in an end of the season event. But the team isn't just coaches and mentors, they also have Honored Teammates who are either actively fighting Leukemia/Lymphoma or have survived it (with great help from the LLS).

I am lucky. I haven't been directly effected by Leukemia or Lymphoma. I pray I never am. While many of my team mates run in memory or in honor of someone else, I run for those I meet along the way, and in hope of a cure. Yesterday, we learned about one of our three honored team mates. She is three and is currently a patient at Seattle's Children's Hospital under going treatment. I can't help looking at Jackson and wondering what it would be like if something as difficult struck at home. It would be unbearable. So, if all I have to do is run, I can run.

This was it for me, I knew it right away. I get to be on a team. As a team sport athlete through my entire childhood, I knew that I would be able to hold myself accountable to get to practice whenever, wherever, knowing that I can't let my team down. I would meet a ton of new people. I would have something at home to call my own.

I did of course have some concerns. Fundraising. This was my biggest fear. But after being consoled by several friends my worries were put to ease.

I signed up on Thursday to participate in the BMO Vancouver, BC Half-Marathon as a member of the Seattle-Alaska Team. The race is on May 2, 2010. That is a little over 5 months to train for a great event and raise some funds to help those who are fighting with Leukemia and/or Lymphoma.

My goal is large. I have committed to raising $2,900 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. From that $2,900, 75% goes directly to both research for a cure, and helping those fighting with medical bills and support. 25% of it goes towards my travel to the event. Once I hit my goal, 100% of my funds raised go to the cause. I already have some great ideas on how to raise the money and am looking forward to the opportunity to bring more friends together to socialize all in the name of a great cause.

That being said, I am looking for any help reaching my goal. Whether it be financially or emotionally. I have already been to one group practice and have made it out on my own, so I am off to a great start. I plan to keep my progress updated here on my blog and would love any notes of encouragement.

Here is a link to my personal fundraising page through the society: http://tinyurl.com/yddas7s

There are many other ways to donate, so if you are able and willing, but aren't comfortable donating online, please shoot me a message!

Please, please ask me how this is going! I am very excited about it and can't way to have a larger story! Thank you for being a part of my journey.

Stephanie