Countdown to NWM!

Just one more month away till the NWM! Yay! I'm super excited but somehow this week I got into little running funk and felt like making it an "off" week :( After completing an 18 miler w/ my sister this past weekend, I'm taking for granted that I'm feeling good about this high mileage. The 16 miler I ran a few weeks ago was a nightmare and had me a little anxious about going the long distance. But after a great finish at the Disneyland Half and a good 18 mile run this past weekend - I'm treating myself to a little "break" this week as I look forward to going to Chicago for the weekend!?! haha! I'm great at finding excuses :)

About a month ago, I decided that running this race was sooooo much bigger than me. The cause is HUGE!!! Cancer is a disease that robs victims and their loved ones of life. We take for granted so many things surrounding us each day, and in a blink all that that can be taken away. I'm extremely blessed to be healthy and able to conquer physical challenges. I've used my sob story as a reason to lace up my running shoes, but now that I'm in a better place and my heart is full again w/ so much love to give - it's time to give back!!! SO, I've decided to run for a cause and make cures happen!

Below is a sample letter I've been sending to close friends and family asking for them to make a pledge.  Join them and make cures happen!! :)

Hello Family and Friends!

Just ONE more month away from the Nike Women's Marathon!!!! I'm VERY excited, and just about ready to add this race to the history books! The training has been VERY time consuming and personally rewarding :) I recently bought a bumper sticker "Running is cheaper than therapy!" that hangs on my bulletin board to remind myself how metaphoric this training journey has been. The second bumper sticker I purchased was "Some girls chase boys. I pass 'em!" haha! This one will most likely make it to the rear bumper of my car :)

This past weekend I ran an 18 miler w/ my sister Tina (who is also training for the full marathon). Surprisingly, I survived and it felt great! I know I'm a little strange, but I guess after months of training my body recognizes the challenge of longer distances. I'm hoping that this mentality holds up along w/ good health, so on race day I'll be able to run like a true goddess :)

On the fund raising note, I'm not quite there yet :( and still need your help! :) I'm hoping in this last month, pledges will be made and we pick up the pace to reach the goal of $1000 :) I hope to announce in my next update the person very close to my heart I will be running this race in honor of on race day! .... Remember, if I reach my fund-raising goal I will personally contribute my total training mileage in dollar amount to LLS. Last tracked, I'm currently around 450 miles!!!!!

Included in this update email are a few links :) One, LLS donation link (hint, hint) ... Two, my updated blog ... and THREE, the link to photos from my most recent race - the Disneyland Half Marathon. It was a great overall race experience - great organization, race course, finisher medal, and PICTURES! I truly felt like a super star running through the back-lots of Disneyland w/ all those race photographers snapping away :) On top of all that, I set a PR at 1:55:40 ... Yay me! :) hahaha!  .... Turning 30 has been a rejuvenating year - first a PR in the half marathon, and second (if things go well and I just cross the finish line) a PR in the full marathon (by default!) hahaha! For 30+1, I'm planning big races and great running series! Stay tuned!

Hope all is going well for everyone! Happy Fall! 

As promised, here are pictures from the Disneyland Half Marathon:

Running through Angel's Stadium

Finishing strong!

Showin' off my runner's bling :)