It's all downhill from here!

Today was the final time that I will complete my longest run before race day. This morning, all before 9 AM, I ran 10 miles... and at my best time yet!! What a feeling... I can't describe how grateful I am for my body's capabilities and how excited I am for how far I've come! Thus far, I have been completing my longer runs (6 and more miles) at 10:30 to 10:45 per mile. However, today I beat myself and completed 10 miles in 1 hour and 44 minutes. That's about 10:24 per mile! As a result of this exciting development, I am stating my race day goal: TO COMPLETE THE RACE IN UNDER 10:30 PER MINUTE (2 HOURS, 17 MINUTES, AND 30 SECONDS)! I know that I can do this!! :-)

Aside from the excitement and success of training, I have been working hard to complete my find raising. What a task this is! I am proud and thrilled to be generating funds that will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and it truly is a lot of work. I have committed to raising $2,900, the minimum amount necessary to compete at the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon with Team in Training. With only two weeks until my fund raising deadline, I have raised 71% of my goal (this number might not be currently reflected on my donation site as a number of the funds are in the form on checks and have not yet been processed). This is excellent news!! But it still leaves my about $850 short of my goal. I have committed to paying any remaining amount of of my own pocket, but I sincerely hope that I am able to feel the pride and excitement of raising the full amount by race day. If you are able to give, please do so. These funds are truly supporting a worthy cause!

That being said, I am learning more and more everyday of families being affected by cancer. While on one hand, it is positive that so many of those generous people who have supported me financially or emotionally throughout this journey of mine feel so connected to the cause, it is truly devastating to know how many lives this monster that we call cancer has taken or changed forever. Every time that I learn of additional people who have had cancer or have supported a loved one who has, my heart breaks. Please know, each and every one of you, that on race day, I will be running for you. You will be on my mind and in my heart. You are my strength and reason in this journey. Thank you for your inspiration...

Please pray for and remember all of the people affected by cancer for whom I run....

In honor of my uncle Wick Flower (Hodgkin Lymphoma) & in support of our family

In memory of (Papa) Dean Mead (Leukemia) & in support of his loved ones

In memory of Louie Hayes (Leukemia) & in support of the Hayes family & their loved ones

In honor of two members of Millbrook Lodge & in support of their members & loved ones

In memory of Tom Nine (Leukemia) & in support of his loved ones