I Run Because I Can

I've been in Michigan the past few weeks for the holidays. While I've loved seeing friends and family, I was definitely out of my element. My route here has been the subdivision I grew up in. As I run down these streets I am reminded of my childhood. Of best friends. Of boys. Of playing hide and seek and bloody murder once it got dark enough out. Building forts with unused wood from new houses. Sledding and snowball fights. I had it pretty good. I was always active in sports and school events. And I was rarely ever sick. I never realized it then how blessed I was. To have two parents that loved me and a never-ending supply of energy.

Just from learning more about the Lymphoma and  Leukemia Society, my eyes have been opened. Leukemia is the most common form of cancer found in children under 20, while lymphoma is the third. One of the main things LLS does is try to find treatments that are effective, but at the same time allow patients to get back to normal as soon as possible. So that they can be kids again.

And so I will continue to run. To help raise awareness. To help make some small difference by supporting the LLS's research and developments. And for all the children that weren't as lucky as I was growing up. Will you join me?

Danielle's Team In Training LLS Page

Favorite places to run outside of Nashville.... What's yours?

Amanda:

When I'm not in Nashville running with TNT, my favorite spot to run is "The Big Dam Bridge" in my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. At its highest, the bridge sits 90 feet above the Arkansas River and connects approximately 15 miles of scenic riverside trails in the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock. You gotta love 'The Natural State!'

JAVA Joggers on Broadway

The JAVA Joggers would like to thank everyone on Lower Broadway for their contributions to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. With your donations we are helping fund research to kick cancer in the pants! Stay updated on our blog as we will be making random appearances around Nashville for more fundraising adventures!

Danielle

This is Danielle's first 1/2 marathon with Team In Training. She has lived in Nashville for eight years now. When she's not working, you can find her in the nearest Zumba class. Her favorite way to wake up her roommates is by blasting J. Lo's "On The Floor" and having an early morning dance party. She is running in memory of her Grandma, Gloria Storer. To donate to Danielle's cause, please visit:

Danielle's Team In Training LLS Donation Page

Amanda

                                           Amanda's Team In Training - LLS Donation Page

This is Amanda's second 1/2 marathon with Team In Training. She is finishing up her last semester of graduate school at Belmont University, where she is studying Occupational Therapy. Her favorite running song is Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger."  Her favorite experience with training was the encouragement and camaraderie of her teammates.

Valerie

This is Valerie's first 1/2 Marathon with Team In Training. She is excited that she can now run farther than the mailbox without losing her breath.  When she's not working, you can find her at the nearest stoplight dancing in her car.  To donate to Valerie, please visit:

Valerie's Team In Training LLS Donation Page

Angela

This is Angela's first 1/2 marathon with Team In Training.  She has lived in Nashville for five years now. Her favorite running song is 'Lose Yourself' by Eminem .  Angela's favorite time to run is early in the morning, since staying up past 9pm is considered a late night for her.  She is running in memory of her stepmom, Judy Bolick. To donate to Angela please visit:

Angela's Team In Training LLS Donation Page