A Half Ironman.

In October I signed up to be a member of the Team in Training, Half-Ironman Team for the WIldflower Triathlon. Yes, that's a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run--in ONE day. I had always thought about trying a half-ironman but I never really had it in me to really commit to the training. Over the past six-months, a few things inspired me to bite the bullet and sign up for the race:

1. Seeing my wonderful Grandmother beat Lymphoma -- She is one of the lucky ones who survived this disease. Even though I've known her my entire life, she's a new person in my eyes. Her renewed appreciation for people and life has inspired me.

2. Seeing a good friend Jeff Hartnett complete the Lake Placid Ironman as a Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor. Watching Jeff cross the finish line was incredible! Jeff's ability to do this after being in remission for only a year, really leaves me a fully capable, healthy adult with no excuses.

3. To honor those who did not make it. People like the incredible Erica Murray who fought a good fight but who unfortunately was taken from this earth much too soon.

4. Finding Team In Training and being able to train and hopefully complete the event while supporting a wonderful charity. I have learned that numerous friends have family members currently dealing with this all too common condition and I want to do whatever I can to help further cancer research with hopes that one day the threat of cancer will be completely eliminated. To donate please visit my fundraising headquarters.

Since this is truly a once in a lifetime experience, I decided to start blogging in order to have a living document where I can vent about my frustrations, brag about my accomplishments and hopefully inspire one of you to try something new....something that scares you and that you may consider to be impossible. Life is short, remember to always make the most of it!