13.1 Miles - Done!

I did it!

My race bib and finisher's medal

13.1 miles in a very slow 3:45:42. That time certainly didn't set any records, but that was never my intention. I began this process in May to train for my first endurance event, and to raise money for LLS at the same time. A year ago the thought of starting, let alone finishing, a half marathon seemed like a pipe dream at best. And I'd known about LLS and Team in Training, but I had no idea just what an impact this involvement with them would have on my life. I'm astounded by the number of people who are survivors, of blood cancer, are currently undergoing treatment, or have loved ones battling these diseases. So many of you have been touched by LLS, either by their resources for assistance, or through receiving medication whose research was funded by the Society. And it was these stories that inspired me and pushed me on through training, injuries, and crises of faith (in myself). How can I give up because my hips hurt, or grumble about getting up at 5:00am to train? Quite simply - I couldn't. It was a privilege to put on my TNT race singlet yesterday and be out there representing my honorees and LLS.

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At the start with ribbons representing my honorees/inspirations

But I am only halfway to my goal. I finished the Virginia Beach Rock n Roll Half Marathon, but I am still short of my fundraising goal. There's still time left, and I have some local events in process. But I hope you can help me, too. I've been overwhlemed the generosity of all who have donated. This is a tough time for charitable contributions, which only makes your support that much more important. You all are heroes - to me and even moreso to those touched by blood cancers.

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At the finish with my TNT teammate & friend, Bailey. We met through TNT, and completed the event together.

TNT's involvement in in 10 years of the Rock n Roll in Va Beach has raised over $235,000 for LLS. And since its founding, TNT has raised over $1 Billion across all of their events, all for LLS. And with these funds, LLS has been able to 100% fund the research for groundbreaking medications such as Gleevec, which has revolutionzed the treatment of CML - Chronic Myelogenous Lymphoma.

Every mile and every dollar brings as closer to a cure.

And don't forget - I have a prize drawing that will take place in October, using random.org to choose the winners:

Any donation $1-$19:

Entered into a drawing for Mobius Knot Earrings

Any donation $20-$49:

Entered into a drawing for a Byzantine weave bracelet

Any donation $50-$99:

Entered into a drawing for a sterling silver double spiral weave bracelet.

Any donation $100+:

As well as being entered into the $50+ drawing, you will also receive a byzantine weave bracelet in your desired length

Meeting Diana

This past weekend I met an amazing young mother – Diana.  This vivacious 28 year-old used to run 5 miles a day and chase her daughter around the house.  But due to a Stage IV Lymphoma found on her spinal cord, Diana is now in a wheelchair.   And though she told me she’s hopeful that one day medical advances will get her out of the chair, she followed that up immediately with a big grin and exclaimed, “But I’m alive!”  Diana is currently in remission and maintains an amazing zest for life and an overriding joy that she’s here to be a mother to her daughter. 

Stories like this are why I joined TNT for the Rock n Roll Half.  It’s 13.1 miles to keep families together to enjoy those milestones so many of us take for granted.  It’s 13.1 miles to keep friends in each other’s lives.  It’s 13.1 miles towards finding a cure!

You can help support patients like Diana by clicking the bad on the right of this page to donate, and/or by shopping  the auction starting Amy 25^th on facebook.  Items have generously been donated by these wonderful shops, and I’m adding more each day!  I cannot thank the women behind these shops enough.  Please stop by their facebook pages through the links below to see more from each artist!

Aggie Chick

Comfy Stitches

Earthwise Emporium

My Lemonade Dreams

Rachel VanNatten Jewelry

SmiLe aGain Creations



XOX, Lisa

PS - got a 3.3mi run in today!  Beautiful weather here in Virginia, and it just felt great to be out there :o)

13.1 miles and $2500 or Bust!

Call me crazy...no, really, call me crazy.
I signed up for the Dodge Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach for Labor Day weekend.

And because that is obviously not enough torture to put myself though, I also joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training and committed to raising $2500 through the course of my training for the Half Marathon.

I was starting to think that I need to be committed:  a year ago I couldn't run around the block without having to gasp for air, and now I'm training to run 13.1 miles.  And I don't like to ask for a favor, let alone ask for money.  BUT then it hit me - who cares if it hurts to run?  Who cares if someone says "no" if I ask for a donation?  That's nothing!  But for the patients and their families living with and fighting against blood cancers? That is hard.  A heartbreaking struggle, both emotionally and financially draining, and unimaginable for most people contemplate.  The very least I can do is step outside my comfort zone to make a difference for the parents, children, siblings affected by blood cancers.

Through the course of my training, I'm going to bring you "Team in Training (TNT) Tuesdays."  A major part of this event is that I am running in honor of Seamus and Andrew - 2 incredibly brave boys living full and healthy lives today.  And I am also running in memory of my college friend and sorority sister, Cory Jill Rovin, whom we lost in 1999.  Over the course of TNT Tuesdays, I'll be sharing their stories, and the role LLS played for them and for their families. 

And as a part of my fundraising efforts, I'm coordinating an auction on Facebook.  100% of the proceeds will got to LLS.  I'm adding items daily, and the auction itself begins may 25th!  If you would like to donate to the auction, or know someone who would, please let me know!  twingle.beads@gmail.com

xox, Lisa