Kicking Cancer's Behind...One Mile At A Time!: On your mark.....

It's been a while since I've actually lined up at a start line.

Tomorrow, I am lining up for a four month long training adventure that will test my endurance, sanity, physical strength, emotions, and ability to run while wearing a purple tutu and cape (atop my regular running attire). Am I gearing up to join the circus? Well, not really...unless they serve Gatorade, Gu, and peanut butter pretzels at the circus.

I joined Team In Training...again!

This season will mark my 5 year anniversary with TNT.

*5 years since I ran my first marathon in Portland the week Mount St. Helens erupted and spouted ash (yes, I wasted time freaking out that I would be running in bad air conditions)

*5 years since I conquered the massive hill up to the St. John's bridge, being cheered on by folks screaming "it's all downhill from here," only to find another HUGE hill at mile 23.

*5 years since I earned my first finishers' medal and celebratory tree seedlings from the wonderful people of Oregon.

*5 years since I met the most amazing people: Coach Al, Mama Lisa, Team Manager Moncia, my mentor Patrick, and my favorite running partner in the world, Cori.

*5 years since I met some of the most inspiring people...our team Honorees.

*5 years since our team lost it's beloved Honoree, baby Cole Regan.

In the past 5 years, I have been blessed to be a part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program as a participant, mentor, manager, volunteer, and now as a captain. While I've been on a running hiatus for about 2 years (thanks to being pregnant and having a pretty serious injury), it feels really good to be back. And yes, I am saying this BEFORE running 2 miles tomorrow (although it might not feel so good when I get up on Sunday!).

In honor of my 5 years with TNT, here are some photos from my very first season with TNT. I do hope that someday I will get back into this great of running shape! But hey, when all else fails, I have my purple tutu and cape to hide the extra baggage this time around! (more on this later)