Team Celera Kicking Cancer's Ass.

3 siblings.
3 Cancer Killers.
3 endurance athletes.
Hundreds of miles.
Early morning trainings. 

Start lines and finish lines.

$14,125 raised for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
All in memory of our dad, Diogenes Celera.

We are TEAM CELERA.

When my dad was diagnosed with Cancer in August of 2010, I felt I needed to do something. I immediately had bracelets made, with T.C.K.C.A on one side (Team Celera Kicking Cancer's Ass) and TEAM CELERA on the other. It was something uniting all of us during my dad's battle. A way to show our support in my dad's fight. To show that his battle was not his alone, and we we're fighting it with him, every step of the way.

 

A rewarding day as a spectator.

We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. -Will Rogers

I have done a couple races this past year. And I always appreciate the spectators on the side lines, cheering like no other, on those early mornings. I always remember the hilarious and motivational signs they hold up-- especially at those moments when the legs are getting tired and the going gets tough. Sometimes all you need is a little cheer from someone, whether it be someone you know or a complete stranger to get you moving and help you make your way to the finish line.

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to cheer on participants at the Disneyland half marathon. My foot and back had been hurting me, so I declined the opportunity to run the race, and instead decided it would be the perfect race to cheer at. 

I knew it would be a good time, for many reasons.
1. I would be spending time with support staff cheering on our TNTers. 
2. I get to cheer and scream, and root people on all morning. What's not to like about that?! 
3. I get to cheer on strangers and hopefully bring a smile to their face! 
4. I get to see my teammates, who have trained for months, run their race
5. I get to see a swarm of people, running a race, many in crazy costumes.
... and the list goes on and on.
But something I was really looking forward to was seeing the smiles on my teammates faces as they pass us, give us high fives, and make their way to the finish line of 13.1 miles. 13.1 they would have accomplished, for such an incredible cause.

So I met up with support staff at 6am, and we headed to around mile 5 to cheer on participants, and once all our participants passed us, we would walk to mile 11, to catch our TNTers once again, for more cheering! It was definitely an eventful morning. What a joy seeing teammates running with all their might! It is always exciting seeing TNTers, but that moment you see a TNTer from your team, the energy rises, arms are stretched out, and we cheer our hearts out. 

It was a rewarding experience, being on the sidelines. It was especially inspiring standing in the midst of our honored teammate Virginia, as she held up her sign "Thank you TNT from a Leukemia Survivor", for all to see. The looks on participants faces as they saw her standing there was priceless. She got hugs galore. From participants, as well as from other marathoners. We had people coming up saying they were survivors as well, or people saying their loved ones are survivors.  
What we are doing, taking an active role with Team in Training, is truly impacting lives. We are saving the lives of those cancer, with the life saving dollars we raise, but we are also changing ourselves in the process. We are becoming endurance athletes and Cancer Killers in the process.

Like I said before, it was a rewarding day as a spectator. I cheered, screamed, yelled "GO TEAM" hundreds of times, sang some songs, and just had a blast! I came away from the race, with a new found appreciation for spectators. As well as a lost voice. But it was totally worth it! 

Here is to more races. To more cheering. To more smiles on the faces of others. To more finish lines

GO TEAM!

A big STEP taken. My MISSION MOMENT shared.

 

"It is a wonderful act of generosity when someone shares their own personal connection with the rest of us" -Sarah Clark


At the start of every practice we have a moment moment.
A moment in which someone opens up a part of themselves and shares their story with us. 
Their connection to the cause. 
Their experience with team in training. 
Their journey involving cancer. 
We hear of loss, we hear of pain, we hear of overcoming obstacles, we hear of hope, we hear of remission, we hear of  cancer fighters, we hear of cancer killers, we hear of lives saved.
Every mission moment is different.
But every mission moment is SOMEONE'S story.
With every mission moment I hear, I take something from it.
I hear not only a story. But a journey. A journey that I can many times relate to.
Having been with the team for 3 seasons now, I greatly admire and appreciate every individual that gets up in front of us, and shares their connection with us.
It is not something easy to do, but week after week, an incredible individual will share something with us, leaving us with a reminder of WHY what we are doing is so incredible, and why it needs to be done. We need that cure for cancer.

As I mentioned this is my 3rd season with team in training, and it is my second season as a mentor. When we started this season I knew I wanted to share my mission moment. My connection to cancer. My reason for joining team in training. My reason for continuing on and fighting for a cure. 
So a month and a half ago I started writing my mission moment. A process that was far more difficult than I thought it would be. Every week I would set aside a few hours to write, to process my thoughts, to bring back the pain and loss of my dads cancer battle, to write of my journey, and to form it in a way that could get my message across: that the journey of cancer is difficult, that it affects everyone it encounters, that with loss it is hard but it is something that we can get through, that finding team in training has forever changed my life, that we as participants are forever impacting the lives of others whether we know it or not, and we are part of the fight for a cure.
So for weeks, I wrote and wrote, and had every word I wanted to say written out.
Every word, my journey.

Last Saturday, I shared my mission moment. 
A story difficult to write, but a story I wanted to share. 
A 3 page long mission moment.
3 days, 3 life changing moments, experiences that changed my life that brought me to that moment standing on "the rock" sharing my story-- encompassed on 3 pieces of paper.
Getting in front of the team was nerve wrecking. As you know, I am not shy or the quietest of people, but to share of my story brought a rush of emotions.
I stood on "the rock", looked out at my teammates faces as they were ready to listen to my story, took a deep breath, held my papers tightly, looked at them one more time-- and all I saw were cancer killers among me, my nerves at ease, my heart filled with TNT love,and I knew I could get through my mission moment.

Sharing my mission moment was a big step for me. It was a release of my journey. It was a release of emotions I had held onto. 
It was my story, and the story of so many others.
As I said during my mission moment, on the rock, "This mission moment is not mine alone. It is the story of so many others. With every connection to cancer, with every battle fought, with every life affected, with every battle lost. It is all of our story. With every run, with every practice, with every race. We carry every fighter in our hearts. Their fight is our fight. They are the reason why we run."

Standing up, sharing my story, I think I made my dad proud. 
I will continue to fight in his memory.
I will continue to hold him tight and keep his memory alive in me.
I will continue to fight, and carry every mission moment I have heard and hear with me.
I will continue spreading the team in training love.
I will continue on, everyday, fighting for a cure.

To those that heard my story and to those that read it, thank you for your TNT love, support,and kind words.

I was thinking of posting my mission moment here, but I think I will hold off for a bit. But if you would like to read it I would gladly email it to you, just let me know.

Let's keep fighting for that cure to be found!

Forever relentless,
Sam

24. You were quite a year.

"I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to go.”
― Dean Karnazes

 

During my year as a 24 year old, I accomplished things I never thought I would. 

I completed not one but FOUR half marathons. The Disneyland half marathon in September, Nike Women's half marathon in October, the Tinkerbell half marathon in January, and the Pasadena Rock n Roll in February. That is 52.4 miles. 52.4 miles, I never would have been able to complete, had it not been for Team in Training. 

I found PASSION.
I found DRIVE.
I found MYSELF.
I found a POET.
I found FRIENDS.
I found FAMILY. 
I found CANCER KILLERS.
I found my TEAM.
I found a FUEL, a FIRE, and a FIGHT within. 
I found a BETTER me. 

I found ups and downs in training. I found joy in crossing finish lines and the hugs and high fives that come with it. I found many tears down cheeks as events were completed. I found accomplishment. I found belief in myself.

I also found the pain in not finishing an event. I found disappointment. I found injury. I found frustration. I found being upset beyond belief. I found myself sitting on a curb 12 miles into the LA Marathon, with tears down my face, pain in my leg, unable to move on. I found comfort from my team. I found a marathon, not completed.

But the training continued on. And I have taken on another challenge. I am here with my revenge on 26.2 

25 is my year to complete 26.2. Nike Women's Marathon, I am here to conquer you in October! And get that Tiffany necklace around my neck. 

I am already registered for a few races, and I can't wait to cross those finish lines. 25, is going to be my year. Get ready!

If you want to make my 25th year great, consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf12/sceleraMany thanks, many hugs.

Be happy. Be extraordinary. Be you.
Sam

Another Father's Day without my dad is approaching.

In two days it will be Father's Day.

It will mark the second Father's day without my dad, and my heart aches thinking about it. If I think about it long enough, I always end up in tears.


I still wake up sometimes thinking my dad is off at work and will come home later, but that moment never comes.


I miss my dad with every fiber in me. And wish I could have just one more day with him. 
I wish I could just have another hug. 
Another round at the golf course. 
Another beer shared. 
Another song sung on karaoke.
Another lunch at In-n-out.
Another laugh.
Another morning having his gourmet fried rice (which none of us were ever able to master).
Another ride in the convertible together.
Another family vacation.
Another holiday together.
Another smile.
Another trip to home depot.
Another Father's day together.
Another memory made.


I often find myself in shock that he is no longer here. And I become angry. Angry that Cancer took him from us. Angry that there is no cure. Angry that I can't share another moment with him.


I always imagined myself one day walking with him down the aisle when I got married. And that day will never come. I will never get to wear that wedding dress with my arm intertwined in his, as he gives me away. My heart aches.


I cherish the days we spent together. But I miss the moments that we can no longer share.


I continue fighting for a cure for cancer on his behalf. And I will not stop until one is found. I will keep running. Keep raising awareness. Keep fundraising. Keep sharing his story. Keep the passion for a cure alive. Keep his memory alive. Keep staying as positive as possible. Keep the fight going.
I do this for my dad. I do this for all those we have lost. And for all those fighting. For the fathers, the mothers, the daughters, the sons, the grandmothers, the grandfathers, the uncles, the aunts, the sisters, the brothers, the nieces, the nephews, the friends, the family. I do it for them all. I do it for the memories to be had. I do it so that no one has to bury someone they love. I do it for a cure. I do it for more days spent together.

I miss you dad, with everything I have in me. I am grateful to have had such an amazing father. And I carry you with me always.

A new TNT season has arrived.

Well, here we go. A new Team in Training season is here, and I couldn't be more EXCITED. It's been about a month and a half since Spring Season ended, and I have had TNT withdrawals ever since! So I am EXTREMELY excited for the new season to start!! 

I am coming back again as a mentor and I couldn't be happier. This season, I am fundraising, and can't wait to see what those Cancer Killing dollars can do (Please make a donation if you can)



I can't wait to see my teammates, the alumni, as well as new participants.
I can't wait to watch this TNT family form. 
I can't wait to be inspired.
I can't wait to save lives.
I can't wait to spread the JOY of TNT.
I can't wait to see the Passion in all.
I can't wait to run (yes, I said it!)
I can't wait to be at the Rose Bowl.
I can't wait to COMPLETE my first full marathon at NIKE WOMEN'S MARATHON!
I can't wait to stock up on fuels.
I can't wait to share the TNT love.
I can't wait to run for those we love.
I can't wait to see the Cancer Killing dollars raised.
I can't wait to get new running shoes!
I can't wait to wake up early on Saturday's to spend time with TNT.
I can't wait to continue fighting for a cure.
I can't wait to write new songs/poems for the team!
I can't wait to cherish the memories.
I can't wait to make a difference.
I can't wait to punch cancer in the face.
I can't wait for Saturday to come.
I could seriously go on forever, but instead I shall just say, "I can't wait..."


It is crazy to think that ONE year ago, I signed up to be a part of Team in Training. One year ago, I started training for my first half marathons. One year ago, my life changed forever and for the better. And I am forever grateful. Upon joining Team in Training I knew it would be a great experience, but I never imagined it to be life changing. I am forever changed, forever inspired, forever motivated, forever a Cancer Killer. 

I can't imagine my life now, without Team in Training. I have found family. I have found life long friends. I have found unbreakable bonds. I have found heroes. I have found fighters. I have found love for one another. I have found selfless hearts. I have found giving spirits. I have found love and support beyond measure. I have found a home.

I am forever blessed, and I can't wait to continue this journey with incredibly inspiring people.  

GO TEAM!

Our first GO TEAM of the fall season!

A race unfinished

The LA Marathon, is definitely a race to remember. And not in the way I had expected it to be remembered.  It started as a race day like any other, with excitement and nerves filling the air. Waking up in the wee hours of the morning to meet the Team as they get pumped for the race ahead. With smiles on their faces, teammates gathered in the lobby as we waited to make our way to Dodgers Stadium. It’s always so exciting to see the joy and pure excitement on everyone’s faces before the race. With the cold chill in the air and fear of rain we made our way to Dodgers Stadium. We hydrated. Had many trips to the bathroom. And waited. Waited for our race to start. For many it was their first race, and for myself it was my first full marathon. So as the excitement built up and time passed us by we made our way to line up and get ready for the main event! As they announced us to "GO" fears and worry left us and excitement and a journey began. To see my teammates start their race put a smile on my face. To see my mentees, my friends, my teammates start their trek of 26.2 miles, after many months of training and fundraising--truly brought me joy. 

For myself, the race started amazingly. My pace was good and I was enjoying seeing so many people running the streets of LA, in all sorts of interesting outfits. I knew I was going to have people cheering at different miles-- so even if the miles got tough I knew they would be there to get me through. TNT staff would be all over the course at set miles, Coach Kiley would be sweeping the first 13.1 miles and Coach Nat at the second half, Coach Juan mile 16-20, Coach Pete mile 20-26, Coach Ryan around mile 20 something with Pantipa, Roy, and Lisa, my boyfriend Josh at mile 9, my cousin Revi at mile 9, Cassandra, Veronica, Tony, Bertha, and Liz along the course, Honored Teammate Virginia at around mile 20,  and my mom, aunts, and uncles at the finish line. Knowing that I would cross all of their paths, put smiles on my hearts just knowing I would see their smiling and encouraging faces!

I was feeling good, running my race, making my way up and down hills, and smiling for the cameras. And crying tears of joy along the way, with the support of people along the course. On my bib, I had it say "For my dad" and I can't even tell you how many spectators mentioned that as I made my way past them. The first camera guy, took my picture as I smiled and pointed to my bib and said "In this moment, you are making your dad proud, keep on running". That was the start of the race and I already had tears in my eyes. One after the other people provided so much encouragement. But there was a moment around mile 7, where a group of about 10 people were cheering, and the first guy saw my bib and started cheering "For your dad" and within seconds, each and everyone one of those people were cheering "For your dad", with smiles on their faces and hands stretched out to give me those high fives, which provide far more support than one can imagine. 

But what started to be a race that I was feeling good about, slowly turned into a race full of pain. At around mile 8, my left knee and leg started to bother me, so I made my way to the nearest medical aid station and they wrapped my knee up for me. With my knee wrapped I made my way to mile 9 where I was greeted with a much needed hug and encouragement from my boyfriend, I made my way a couple hundred feet along the course and my cousin Revi was cheering me on and she walked with me for a few minutes. Definitely a new found energy appeared, when seeing familiar faces. I continued on with the race but my knee was still bothering me, I thought, maybe it was the way they wrapped my knee, so instead of 3 minute run/ 1 minute walk intervals they turned into 3 minute walk/ and an attempt at 1 minute run. I stopped at the next medical aid station and they rewrapped my knee, tighter. I thought it felt a bit better tight but after a bit of walking, it wasn't feeling better anymore-- it was feeling far worse. I tried jogging but that was out of the question after a minute or so. So my new plan, walk the rest of the marathon. It would hurt, but maybe I could do it. I kept calculating, if I were to walk 20 minute miles, would I be swept up? 

For a good 20 minutes I was talking to myself, trying to do that math, to see if I could finish under 8 hours. By now my steps were small, my watch kept beeping to change intervals but I continued with a slow walk, with a limp in my step. And I noticed everyone passing me by, those on the course and those on the sidewalk. I tried stretching on the curb every now and then to see if that would help but it wasn't helping, and now the wrap on my leg was so tight it was unbearable. So I removed the wrap somewhere around mile 11 and just carried it with me. With tears in my eyes, a slow trek, I somehow made my way to mile 12. And found my to the curb where I sat for a bit to just try to comprehend what the heck was going on. After what seemed like 10 minutes I got back up and tried to walk again but, any pressure on my leg was unbelievable painful, like knives stabbing me and I felt as though my knee, my ankle, my leg.. would give out if I tried to take any more steps.  So I sat there. Not knowing exactly what I was going to do. I knew I would be unable to finish, but how would I get to the finish line?

About 3 1/2 hours into the marathon, as I sat on that curb, with participants passing me by, I texted Coach Ryan saying "Not sure I can finish my knee and calf are giving out. Sitting on the curb near mile 12. Can't get up from the curb at all" And his response to me was “Take a breather. Reassess. You will be the great sam I know with the medal or without”. So that is what I did, with tears streaming down my face, pain in my leg, but more so-- frustration and pain in my heart, because I knew I would not be finishing, not a single step more. A race I had set forth to finish months ago, my first full marathon, would not be completed. A race I had signed up for, to honor my dads memory, would be incomplete. My heart was broken. I knew Coach Kiley was sweeping the first half of the race, so I kept my eye peeled for him, since I saw TNTers still passing me by. And finally after over practically 45 minutes I saw Coach Kiley. And he stopped, checked to see how I was, made sure his final participant was okay and came back to me. And he stayed with me for over an hour, as we sat there: me-- disappointed, frustrated, angry and crying and Coach Kiley--  being extremely supportive and contacting TNT staff to find a way to get me to the Teams hotel. I was not a fundraising participant for this race but Coach Kiley would not leave my side (for that I am oh so grateful) and The Amazing TNT Staff worked it out and they would have the Campaign Managers stationed at mile 13.5 come to my aid once the last TNTer passed them. So we sat there, as people passed us by and eventually the streets were being cleaned. But I am happy to say a while later, 2 cars pulled up and they are fabulous TNT staff members! One of them being the incredible Erica, who drove me back to the hotel, while the other staff  member, I believe Jennifer brought Kiley to the finish line.

I am so grateful for all of them for making that happen. To get me to the hotel and for their love and support.  I honestly, do not know, what I would have done without them. I am so grateful for Team in Training, and their support whether I fundraised or not, they kept saying "we take care of our team". I am forever grateful. With traffic, because roads were closed, Erica and I slowly but surely made it to the hotel. She made she I was situated in the lobby before heading back out. Once I got to the hotel, my aunt and uncle got there as well to keep me company as we awaited for my brother to finish the marathon.

I sat there reading encouraging comments on my facebook, with tears constantly streaming down my face. I saw TNTer after TNTer making their way back, with their medals around their neck. And with every SGVer that I saw, I feel as though I shed tears with each of them. Happy with their accomplishments, but frustrated with myself. Each person I came in contact with provided me with such comforting words and support beyond measure. I thank all of you that saw me in that lobby: Coach Natalie, Sarah, Maggie, Erica, Janna, Rona, Andrea, Marti, Jen, Heidi (and more)- I take all of your supportive and kind words to heart. They really helped me get through such a draining and difficult day. I also thank everyone that texted, called, and wrote on my facebook these past few days. Your words, thoughts, prayers, well wishes, support--- I treasure it all.

I am blessed to know such incredibly supportive people, you ARE my TNT family, and I know I can count on you through the ups and downs.  

These are just a few of the kind words I received from such an incredible Cancer Killers. I take them all to heart.

“Miles are a number, but your impact is priceless. You will heal, you will continue to be annoyed by today's outcome, but I know you will conquer the next event with even more passion and heart!” -Maggie

“Sam - it takes courage and smarts to not be driven by ego and stop to live to run another day. Most never test their physical limits as you did with taking on the marathon. 26.2 is hard. Most people don't put themselves out there and raise a lot of money to help others. You have. The heart was there today as was the determination. Your body had other plans. Simple as that. Despite things not going the way you wanted you took the time to congratulate your TEAMMATES and share in their good day. What a great example of sportsmanship and what it means to be a TEAMMATE! Even though your day did not go as you wanted you have made us proud!” – Coach Kiley

“Sam, it's not about the miles or a finish line. Your example has inspired several of those who crossed the finish line yesterday. They wouldn't have made it without you. So if you want to count the miles you were responsible for hundreds of miles yesterday. You are a hero and an inspiration to your family, your adopted TNT family and everyone you come in contact with. We love you and are incredibly proud of you!” –Sarah

“Someone from TNT once posted: Courage does not always shout. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice saying "'I will try again tomorrow". That's you, darling Sam - we know you will always try again tomorrow. Love you.” -Barb

“It's the best that you listen to yr body!! And we all know u will never give up a fight to cancer!! That's all it matter!! Love u Sam!”  –Pantipa

“There will be other marathons . . .and your dad IS already proud of you. And so am I. And grateful to you also.  And an admirer of your talents. And so thankful our paths crossed.” – Honored Teammate Virginia

“You can see from the comments above how much you are loved and admired. Given your whole-hearted dedication to this cause, I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you not to finish - but you haven't lost the fight. That fight - and your infectious humor, writing talent and more - is what makes you Sam, and being Sam is what makes you amazing!” – Coach Natalie

“I just want to let you know that I’m so glad I joined the team. This experience has been life-changing, and I want to thank you everything you did for me this season. I have so so much respect for you, and I’m so glad we became better friends. I love you, and I think you’re so amazing and an inspiration to me. It doesn’t matter if you finished today or now. You are amazing, and I know you’re gonna do like 50 other marathons. I love you so much” -Heidi

Thank you, TEAM, for letting me know that its okay that I didn't finish. Its definitely taken some time to process it all, and maybe I'm still processing it, but I know I'll be okay. I know that even though I didn't finish 26.2 miles, I have still made my dad proud. I know that I will continue the fight with each passing day. I realized it wasn't so much about the receiving the medal at the end of the race, it was more so the finishing of the race in my dads memory.

Bu I know that I WILL complete a marathon! October. Nike Womens FULL Marathon. I will be there. Those 26.2 miles are mine to conquer.  And I will complete each mile, each step, for my dad.

The "off day"

Not every day is a good training day. I have had a few set backs this season. Pain in the hips, aching shins, ankle pains, but I continually move past them with a little rest and ice of course. With taking days off or just changing up my workout, the pain I felt would subside.

 

Last Saturday, at practice, it was quite the "off day" for me. I wasn't feeling pain in my legs, it was more so my breathing was off and i mentally felt a bit of a challenge. Maybe I didn't hydrate enough the day before but I could tell it felt like I weird running day for me. The first 4 or so miles were going well but once I made it to JPL it went downhill for a while, on my way to the triangle bridge I had fall #1, but I dusted myself off and made my way along the trail to get to good ole Elmer, but before reaching Elmer fall #2 was in my midst, it wasn't too hard of a fall but my pants got dirty and my hands became enemies with the dirt and rocks beneath them.  I high fived the Elmer sign, made my way back to coach Nat and coach Ryan by the rocks but not before fall #3 happened somewhere along the way. I am fine with falling, but I had never fallen at a practice before-- and never 3 times in the course of like an hour!!! The worst part is falling and having no one else around to laugh with. Because, with every fall I have, it would be easier to laugh it off and then get up but this time I was just laughing alone, and that's not quite as enjoyable. I made it to coach Nat and Ryan, caught my breath, got some water and made my way to the dam aid station. I decided I would be only doing 13 miles for the day, and do more walking intervals.

I finally made my way to the Dam Aid Station (around mile 9 or 10) where there were firefighters practicing repelling down the bridge. After staying there for 10 or so minutes I made my way down "Big Daddy"-- where I, guess?!! Had a little slip! Darn you, Big Daddy, and all those darn rocks! You are not my friends! But I got back up, with rocks indented in my palms and began my intervals again. My pace slowing, but still moving. With less than 2 miles to go, I was at the Rose Bowl loop and here it is... one final slip. On what you may ask? A slip on a GU! An unfinished Gu, that someone left laying on the ground, so a slip turned into the splits (almost), with not a single person around! So there I am on the ground, seriously dislike Gu. After alll that, I finally made my way to lot k, which means only a mile to go, and who do I see? Coach Nat. Perfect timing. After seeing her the last mile wasn't too bad. But let me tell you, it was quite a day! A training day I won't forget. It is crazy how a run can differ so much from the last! 

Here is to many more runs! Hopefully none like this though!

Inaugural Pasadena Rock n' Roll

Let me start with, what an INCREDIBLE race! I don't know if I am biased because it took place where I train every Saturday, but it was such a great race! The course was amazing, the spectators awesome, the weather perfect, super organized, and I PR'd so what's not to like?! 
It's the smallest half marathon I've participated in, so far, with less than 6,000 participants. But, I have a feeling the numbers are going to grow, with all of the positive feedback it has been receiving. It was truly a wonderful day.
It was nice to see so many familiar faces running, sporting their Team in Training jerseys. To be able to see so many teammates as we ran by each other, was the topper to the event. My Team in Training family, from different seasons, and different locations, we are all connected. It doesn't matter what season or where we train, you can always count on hearing a "GO TEAM" when you pass a fellow TNTer. It really reminded me of just how intertwined our journeys are, whether we know one another or not.
This half marathon was a blast and like I said, I PR'd. My finishing time was 2:54:23, which is a 5 minute improvement since The Tinkerbell half less than a month ago. I am super happy with my PR, and can't wait for the next race, although I am quite nervous for the LA Marathon. A new journey, a new goal, to finish the race. See you next time!

Nike+ Womens Half Marathon & Inaugural Tinkerbell Half Marathon. Completed.

Dear January, I must say you have treated me well!
January = 80+ miles ran and 2 half marathons completed! I would say it has been a successful month!
The first 1/2 marathon was the Nike+ women's half marathon . It was a virtual half marathon that benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A run that people from all over could take part in. I am happy to have been a part to it. Everyone had their own course, their own path to run, but all of us ran as one. My first virtual run. Definitely enjoyable, especially knowing that it benefited LLS.

 The second 1/2 marathon of the month was the INAUGURAL Tinkerbell Half Marathon. The night before the half marathon we had the Team in Training inspiration dinner with Team in Training Participants from all over-- and all of those incredible individuals combined raised over ONE MILLION dollars for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. AMAZING! I am so blessed to be a part of team in training. To know such selfless and giving people. To be surrounded by such motivated CANCER KILLERS. To see the look on the participants faces as they entered was priceless--smiles on their faces and love radiating from their hearts.

I woke up for the Tinkerbell half before the sun rose. Actually the race started before the sun had risen!!We made sure we used the porta potty's before the race started, a couple times actually, so we wouldn't have to wait in the long lines along the course.  After, we made our way to our corrals, and waited for the fireworks to go off, so we could start our run at the Happiest place on earth. And what a magical run it was! Its always a joy to run through Disneyland. To see the characters along the course, the workers cheering, the joy of running down mainstreet before the park opens and through Sleeping Beauty's Castle! All creating so much excitement. You could feel the magic in the air!

When I ran those miles, seeing TNT participants running and those cheering on the sidelines, it always brings me back to WHY i signed up to run this race. Why I choose to run for hours at a time. I run for a cure. A cure for blood cancers. A cure for ALL CANCERS. I run in memory of my dad--for what took his life. I often think of that on my runs, and during this run, it was no different. When my feet got tired, I ran with my heart. And I think that is what really gets me through. I know why I run, and I continue to carry all of my honored teammates with me, every mile, every step, every day.

Without Team in Training, I don't know how I would have been able to finish these half marathons. These people, are my family. They are my support. They get me to that finish line! Last year on September 4, 2011, I ran my first 1/2 marathon with Team in Training, my first 1/2 EVER. The unforgettable Disneyland half marathon. It was an unforgettable experience! My time was 3:09:26. My goal for the Tinkerbell half was to get under 3 hours! And I must say,  I am overjoyed that I did--- barely!!!!
But it's a new PR.
A goal accomplished, and now a new goal shall be set!

Til next time!