Ready or Not, Here I Go

So, I've officially registered to run a half-marathon.  The farthest I've ever run at one time, is about five miles.  And I've just signed up for 13.1!
Believe it or not, I'm not intimidated by the run.  I'm excited.  If Jeremy can face cancer and I can walk with him through all of the trials and challenges that go along with it, I can definitely run along the beach of Miami in December.  
However, if you know me well enough, you know I do everything big.  I think I got that from Jeremy.  We want everything we have and do to be great; something to be shared and proud of.  So, I didn't just sign up for a 1/2 marathon... I'm going to do it in Miami Beach... and I'm going to join Team For Life to help cancer patients.  That's the part that intimidates me.  
The last (and only other) race I ran, I did for the Climb for Cancer Foundation. I'm not just passionate about cancer.  I'm  frightened by cancer.  And when I finished the 5k for the Climb for Cancer Foundation, I felt strong.  I felt like I'd done something that wasn't just good for me, but it was good for Jeremy and other wonderful people like him, battling an ugly and frightening disease.  


When I found out the Rock n' Roll Marathon Series was coordinating a half marathon in Miami in December, I looked at charity sponsors for this race who have teams of athletes running for a cancer cause.  I came across one of three cancer organizations/foundations participating in this race, Lazarex Cancer Foundation's Team for Life.  Lazarex Cancer Foundation provides financial assistance to defray the costs associated with patient participation in FDA clinical trials.  Additionally, they help patients navigate their clinical trial options and provide community education and outreach services.  It's help for patients with all types of cancer, who are told they have no other options.  This struck me as so important, because Jeremy was a victim of a rare cancer.  There is not a lot of research on soft tissue sarcomas.  We are fortunate to live in Gainesville, where we are so close to one of the best sarcoma clinics in the country.  Nearly every person we meet at this clinic, is traveling to Gainesville from out of town.  


I thought about it for a couple weeks.  Researched more on the Lazarex Foundation and the race; and after talking to Jeremy in depth, decided to "click the button" and officially register with Team for Life.  


Now that it's official, that means I not only need to get started with my training schedule, but I need to tell everybody about what I'm doing and why I need your help.  In order for me to run this race with Team for Life, I must raise $750 for cancer patients via Lazarex Cancer Foundation.


I've never worked at raising such a substantial amount of money.  But I've never believed in something this much either.  I've learned recently, that when I'm passionate about something, I'm good at it.  I've prayed a lot about this and I am certain that I can be victorious in this venture.  I have amazing support from Jeremy, family and close friends.  I have a few friends who are even running the race with me, and helping spread the word about my fundraising efforts for Team for Life.  I'm going to use this training to strengthen my body, mind, and faith.  


In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, I love how Paul compares the Christian life to that of an athlete.  "You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race.  Everyone runs; one wins.  Run to win.  All good athletes train hard.  They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades.  You're after one that's gold eternally.  I don't know about you, but I'm running hard to the finish line.  I'm giving it everything I've got.  No sloppy living for me!  I'm staying alert and in top condition.  I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."  (The Message)
Those words are my inspiration to grow stronger in physical strength while also, and more importantly, growing in my knowledge of and relationship with God.  I'm confident I'm going to learn even more about myself and my Savior in this process than I knew possible.  And with that goal, there's no losing this race!


So, if you can help me reach my $750 min fundraising goal, I would be relieved and extremely grateful!  If you can't help financially, support me with your prayers for perseverance physically, financially, and spiritually.  


I'll post my progress with training and studying here on this blog.  Ready or not, here I go...


My fundraising webpage for online giving:
http://Lazarex.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=477907&u=477907-333641714&e=4801579191