It's a Beautiful Day...

I had an absolutely FANTASTIC 10-mile run today. For those of you who aren't runners, you're probably wondering how any mileage in the double digits can be pleasant--but today truly was. The temperature was wonderful, it was calm and peaceful outside (i.e. no crazy gnats to dodge like there are on evening runs!), my legs felt great, no stomache ache and I ran slightly faster than my goal pace for next Sunday's half marathon. I expected to be sore when I was done running (as is typical) but even four hours after I finished my run, I still feel great. What a blessing!

It's really amazing to think about how 'easy' it was to do this run. I have aches and pains regularly, but luckily no lingering injuries (and now that I have limited the number of days I wear heels to work, even my calf tightness has disappeared! :) ). But what I feel when I run (and after) is nothing compared to the true pain--both physical and emotional--that is experienced by children who have cancer and their families. That's why I'm doing this. I am running in honor of Haleigh Pentico. Haleigh was born in May 2007 in Omaha. At one month old she was diagnosed with AML M7, a rare form of leukemia that impacts only 100 U.S. infants annually. Haleigh spent 145 days in the hospital, underwent chemotherapy, several procedures and battled multiple infections. She was released at Thanksgiving in 2007, but still visits her cancer doctor monthly. The experience has been grueling, but the Penticos are grateful for the work done by Team in Training participants to strive for a cure for children like their daughter. Check out the darling shot of Miss Haleigh last Halloween.

It's also a beautiful day because (drumroll please)....I received my first online donation! Okay, so it was from my husband Tim, but it's still thrilling to know that this is finally real! I am stoked beyond words to be training for my first marathon and raising funds for an organization as truly fantastic as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Be checking your mailboxes for a letter from me! :) If you are too excited to wait until then, visit my website (listed above in the blog header). Thanks for your generosity!

Until next time...keep on steppin'! :)