Happy Birthday To Me! -- Thoughts on Getting Older

--From Valerie (one of the members of the Java Joggers!)

Yesterday, I turned 33. Yes, I'm revealing my age, mainly because I spent my day doing something that I wouldn't have even considered doing at 23.

I ran a 5k. No big deal. It was just a part of my running responsibilities for the week. I have to run about 2-4 miles twice a week, before a larger run with the group on Saturdays.

Only, for me, it really was a big deal. I woke up before the sun rose, ran all around the campus of Belmont, running with college students (the event was sponsored by Belmont), and watching day break, all before I normally hit snooze on my alarm.

That, my friends, is a big deal.

Since I've signed up to run with Team In Training, I am learning about myself, what I am capable of, what are my weaknesses, and what kind of a friend I am. I am continually being reminded of how lucky I am that I run.  There are those my age, and younger, that can't.

I am honored to have so many friends in my life, and those that think of me on my birthday, letting me know that they appreciate me....Sure Facebook helps us remember! But, it's a person's prerogative to to send a text, tweet, or even write on someone's wall.

I am so grateful to all those who shared in my birthday yesterday. I believe I'm embracing my 30's finally, and I like the trajectory in which my life is heading. I think I am beginning to be okay with this getting older thing! :)

Please help me out in my goal to help LLS find a cure for cancer.  There are so many people who can't run, can't get up on their birthday and go running a 5k.  They don't even get the chance to be ridiculous!  

It just takes a little to make a big difference!  Please help!



--Post written by Valerie, one of the members of the Java Joggers!

A Note Of Gratitude

I've been running with Team In Training for a few months now. I've run farther than I ever thought I could, and have raised almost $500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am blown away by the people I meet each week and have slowly realized that it's not about me. I've heard from teammates that have lost a parent or a close friend, one whose grandmother was recently diagnosed, and one whose wife passed away last year. And don't even get me started on my coach, who is a survivor, and is out there encouraging us every weekend and throughout the week.

While you would think that all of these people would be caught up in their grief, I am astounded by the amount of gratitude they have shown to all of us. They too realize it's not only about their personal story, but the team as a whole. How every Saturday morning at 7am when we make the decision to run, it's one more example of people wanting to make a difference. It's not about how fast we are running or how much we've raised, but the people whose lives our decisions now will help later on. Because eventually cancer is going to affect us all. It's just a matter of when. So my question to you is whose team do you want to be on when that time comes? I've made mine. The team that decides to not sit around and mope but to fight back and take charge, grateful for the opportunity.

TNT LLS Fundraising Page