Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

 2011 started off extremely difficult. Watching my dad in pain as cancer was weakening him, spending his last few days together, and seeing him pass away early on January 7th. It was definitely a life changing moment. And I didn't expect my year to start off in that way. I could not picture how life could go on, if my dad wasn't around. How would we be able to continue without my dad by our side. I knew our lives wouldn't be the same but we would have to continue on somehow. It was a challenging year with many firsts. With every month anniversary and every holiday that passed my heart broke a bit. I had felt a constant longing for my dad. For another hug. Another smile. Another moment together. 
After months of sadness I decided I had wanted to do something for my dad. To keep his memory alive in me. So that is when I came across TEAM IN TRAINING. An amazing group that trains for endurance events while raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I signed up to train for 2 half marathons with the team! I raised $5,485.18 and I successfully completed two half marathons (Disneyland half marathon &  Nike Women's half marathon). I accomplished things I never thought possible! I ran more miles in 2011 than my 23 other years combined. I met an incredibly inspiring group of people who I am blessed to call my TNT family. I learned a lot about myself and about different types of cancer. I heard many inspiring, heartwarming, as well as heart breaking stories. I found a sense of healing. I found a source of adrenaline. I found a fire in myself. I found passion. I found drive. I found strength. I found a spirit unlike any other.  I found that its okay to cry, to release those tears. I started 2011 crying only tears of sadness but after joining team in training I have now cried tears of happiness and found a sense of incredible accomplishment. I did what I set out to do! I ran my 1/2 marathons, I did them for my dad, I kept his spirit alive in me. I crossed those finish lines. I became a CANCER KILLER. 

I continue to be a cancer killer! I have set out to run another 1/2 marathon with Team in Training as well as taking on my very first full marathon in 2012! 2011 was definitely a journey with hardships but accomplishments as well. I am ready for what 2012 has to offer! I am ready to see what this year brings! I am ready to run more miles!
This year for my New Years Resolution, I will be running at least 1 mile everyday, for the entire year! 366 days to be exact!!! It will be a challenge but I am up for it! The hardest part in running is getting out that front door! But I WILL!!!!!! 

I am ready for a year of more smiles, laughs, and joy!
Here is to 2012!

A freedom found in running

 "Running gives freedom. When you run you can determine your own tempo. You can choose your own course and think whatever you want. Nobody tells you what to do."  -Nina Kuscik

Saturday- The day of the week I truly look forward to. I wake up at 5:20am to be at practice by 6:30am. When I wake the sun has not made an appearance yet. Darkness filling the sky. The streets practically empty. Not a single neighbor up. But I choose to get up anyway. Because I know that when I get to practice, I will find myself surrounded by some of the most incredible and inspiring people I have ever met. I will be around my TNT family. I get up early- each and every Saturday to RUN. To run in order for a cure for cancer to be found. I run in the midst of CANCER KILLERS. I run those miles for those who can't. I run for those that we love, for those that are survivors, for those fighting and for those loved ones that we have lost. I run because I CAN. I run on the good and bad days. The days where a smile is constantly on my face to days when it takes a little more effort. No matter how I am feeling-- I know that a smile CAN be put on my face, just by being around such amazing people.  I wake up every Saturday with a spirit in my heart unlike any other. I wake up every Saturday to spread awareness of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I wake up early because I know I am making a difference. I am blessed to have met such supportive and giving people.  I wake up early every Saturday to be in their presence. To fight for a cure with them. And to run---to run those miles because we are fortunate enough to. With a breath of fresh air, we run. We run distances I never imagined running-- but we run them anyway! The miles are just a small part of what we do, it may be tough at times but we always get through them..TOGETHER.
Saturday's-- the day of the week I truly look forward to.