Welcome to the Starting Line

Well, here we are: the beginning.  It's been quite an odyssey, getting from this old blog post to actually registering for my first marathon ... but I did it.  Finally.  And as if just conjuring up the moxie weren't already difficult enough, now I'm actually going to train for this thing?!  Absolutely.

I'm here because my Uncle Harold was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2006 and fought the disease for nearly three years before losing his battle earlier this year.  He never gave up, he siezed his 'opportunity' to educate others about breast health, and in every way, he made the most of every day that he was given.

But it was tough, and Uncle Harold was in a lot of pain.  So I feel like now is the time - after two years of sitting and waiting for another day to chase my goal - to do this.  If he could take the chemo and the radiation ... if he could endure multiple surgeries ... if he could live with cancer for that long and still give strength to those around him, then I can live with 17 weeks of marathon training.  Uncle Harold didn't choose to have cancer, but he never complained about it.  It's that spirit that I hope to keep alive here.

There's a donation link on the left side of this blog.  If you're feeling generous, please consider giving to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  It's quick and painless, and your donation is tax-deductible.  In the meantime, I'll be training ... and this blog will serve as a sort of journal/log along the way.  You don't have to do any of the work (unless you want to), but your donations, your thoughts, your prayers, and your encouragement are always welcome here.