Team Challenge

When I began my running career, I never considered the fact that I would ever train for a half marathon.  But here I am, training for one.  Last week, I ran 13 miles to prove to myself that I can run 13 miles.  I was impressed by how well I did.  I thought my legs might fall off and we had to cancel our plans to go to Sunday Parkways, but I did it.  I ran 13 miles.  And, because I had been thinking about it for a long time, I finally decided to make the commitment to join Team Challenge to run another half marathon in November.

What is Team Challenge?  Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s endurance training and fundraising program. ThroughTeam Challenge, I’ll help find cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two painful, seldom-discussed and debilitating digestive diseases. With the Half Marathon and Triathlon Training Programs, I'll train for a rewarding and exciting endurance event while raising vital funds for research into these diseases. These dollars will help make new treatments possible and fuel the search for cures.

This cause is very close to my heart.  Paul was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis six years ago, not long after we started our family.  It has been a hard road, with many more downs than ups.  Until he was diagnosed, we had never heard of this disease.  Since his diagnosis, we have learned that others have this, and other Inflammatory Bowel Diseases that are related.  While it's quite painful and sometimes debilitating, people rarely speak about it.

Through Team Challenge, I will be running the Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon.  My fundraising goal is $3500.  I hope to surpass that goal, and I hope that you will help.  You can read more about our family's story on my fundraising page, like my Facebook page, and follow my blog posts on my training and fundraising here.  I look forward to sharing this experience with you all!