Hi guys! I’m back again so soon =)
I have some pretty big news, something that I am very excited about and passionate about, and I hope you all will feel the same! As most of you probably know, I have wanted to run a half marathon for years now but kept having to drop out training as a result of shin splints. However, lately even though I still do have shin splints (I think I always will!), they are at a point where they seem to be getting better, not worse, and I am in no pain for my runs. I’m taking this as a sign to move forward.
Like Meghann did last fall, I have volunteered myself to be a part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training and will be running the 2009 Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Fransisco this coming October.
I am SO thrilled to be apart of such a positive organization because ever since I was young, I have felt strongly about the lives of cancer patients. Both my grandmother and great-grandmother battled breast cancer and I have had a few close friends battle different cancers as well. All of which have made me extremely passionate about finding a cure and reaching out to patients and survivors. For my race, I have to raise $4,200 in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I know this seems like a TON (and it is), but I assure you every single dollar counts. No donation is too small and I believe that if we all work together we can not only help those affected by the disease, but also find a cure so that our children don’t have to live in a world where cancer is a killer.
Please support me on this upcoming adventure that will be taking. You all in the blogging community have seriously brought tears to my eyes on several occasions just because you all are SO supportive and kind. This is definitely the biggest challenge I have EVER set for myself and I need you now more than ever.
Please visit my donation site for more information. I am so excited to have each of you on board with me for this adventure!
Carrie H
March 23, 2009 at 11:36 amThat’s awesome! Good luck over the coming months. We’ll all be cheering for you. 🙂
VeggieGirl
March 23, 2009 at 11:37 amFABULOUS!!
RunningWithin
March 23, 2009 at 11:47 amOh, that’s amazing! Good luck, I will definitely be rooting for you! It’s so fulfulling running for a cause, I’ve ran to support leukemia and cancer research and it’s always just a great feeling! I was actually thinking of doing that Half in San Fran, I just can’t decide between that and the full marathon yet. Maybe I’ll see you there! : )
Kristi
March 23, 2009 at 12:13 pmGood luck, Jenna! I am also looking ahead to my first half in Nov. (I’ve never even run a 5k!!!) I’ll be watching you for extra motivation (especially on those days when it really, really hurts!)
I have to say too I was so inspired seeing the pics of you and your mom at the trail race! How cool that she did it too!
Sarah M
March 23, 2009 at 12:35 pmGreat news Jenna!
You will love the half. I did my first one in January and am planning on doing another in May. I had a “high” for a couple weeks after finishing it. Like you, I was having some pain when I first started running frequently. I got new shoes, do yoga & stretch, and I only run 3X per week (max) and that seems to be work for me. I’m sure you will find something that works for you too.
And San Fransisco is such an amazing city, so it will be great to go there too!
polly
March 23, 2009 at 12:37 pmHi honey! WOW this is amazing! My mom and both grandmas had breast cancer. I am so with you and you have my support and prayers! Happy shins and extra full heart! My friend Cheryl (see her cute on my blog recently) ran that half marathon last Fall! She and her hubby flew out there and loved it. Will R go with you? That would be amazing!
Massive hugs and wish I could come along as your personal yoga trainer! 😉 XOXO
Haleigh
March 23, 2009 at 12:40 pmGood luck Jenna! That is awesome news 🙂
~c~
March 23, 2009 at 12:53 pmNo better place to run than San Francisco!!!!
Sarah
March 23, 2009 at 1:04 pmCongrats on the decision to run, Jenna! You def. won’t regret it.
Quick question- I also signed up for the lottery for the SF Half… I read that we are notified if we got in on the 25th… were you notified already?
jenna
March 23, 2009 at 1:11 pmSarah,
As far as I know, the random drawing for registration is now closed. I signed up through Team in Training so I had nothing to do with the lottery. They hold spots for Team in Training every year since the entire race is to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
March 23, 2009 at 1:16 pmFantastic! You will have such a feeling of accomplishment after running the race, and even more so since you are doing it to help others. Congratulations on your decision!
Runeatrepeat
March 23, 2009 at 1:28 pmI’ve always wanted to run that half since it’s the woman’s marathon & for a good cause. Oh and because SF fireman give you a Tiffany’s finisher’s chain at the end!
CA TNT member
March 23, 2009 at 1:36 pmHi Jenna,
I’ve been hiding in the woods lately reading your blog, and I just want to take the time to thank you for joining TNT. I have fundraised and trained for Nike since 2006 with TNT in California, and it is an amazing race and I hope you enjoy your experience with the team and the race yourself. There is no other race like it. Good luck.
K
March 23, 2009 at 1:42 pmThis is such a great cause, Jenna!! Best of luck to you 🙂
Anne P
March 23, 2009 at 1:59 pmThat’s amazing Jenna! Good for you 🙂 I am going to sign up for the Army Ten Miler in DC in October… I’m super excited!! We can do some training runs together this summer!
Gen
March 23, 2009 at 2:16 pmThat is some big news! Congratulations on deciding to do a half marathon. I just started following your blog and i just want to say that you truly inspire me. Thank you for all the great posts. I really do love your blog. And I will definitely help you reach that monetary goal for your half marathon.
Maggie
March 23, 2009 at 2:23 pmCongrats! Can I hope for a big blogger meetup when you’re in SF??
jenna
March 23, 2009 at 2:33 pmMaggie,
I’d LOVE to do something the day before the race….like lunch or something….it would be so fun! I have always dreamed of going to San Fran and even though its so far away, I’m like jittery with excitement already! I want sourdough bread! 🙂
Erin
March 23, 2009 at 2:33 pmCongratulations Jenna, I’m sure you won’t regret this!
Moran
March 23, 2009 at 2:39 pmWow, Jenna That is so impressive!!
Run Saraaah
March 23, 2009 at 2:42 pmAwesome, that is a great goal with a very important cause.
snackpak
March 23, 2009 at 2:49 pmCongrats on the decision!
I also just wanted to say that I made your kitchen sink lentil soup the other night and literally 3 of my 5 roomies came downstairs just to say, “WOW what is that delicious smell?”
Annd it was deeelicioussss. This soup is going to be a staple for a long time to come now! Thanks so much for the recipe!
laci
March 23, 2009 at 2:55 pmYou are so inspiring for running for a cause! 🙂
sharon
March 23, 2009 at 2:59 pmWow what a gift of one self. Thank you from someone diagnosed with Lymphoma 2 1/2 years ago. Your a gift that keeps on given. Your example of your relationship to Christ, eating healthy, and exercise to feel good is such a ray of light.
If the training becomes hard, here is a scripture that has lifted me through the hard times.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:6
jenna
March 23, 2009 at 3:05 pmSharon,
Thank you for that verse! The verse that I focus on and repeat over and over to myself whenever I run is this:
“But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES
they shall run, and not be weary
and they shall walk, and not faint”
I fully plan to write the whole thing on my hand before the run!
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
March 23, 2009 at 3:05 pmHOW COOL!!!! I’ll definitely be posting a link to your TnT site so people can donate!
Megan
March 23, 2009 at 3:10 pmWOW CONGRATS!! I actually ran my first half marathon with TNT last May and it was a BLAST! It’s so cool meeting so many amazing people along the way and just knowing that you’re making a difference is motivation in itself! GOOD LUCK with training and everything–I’m sure you’ll do great! I was on such a runner’s high after finishing that half marathon I signed up for another one a week later! Hahaha… running definitely gets addicting!
Amy
March 23, 2009 at 3:12 pmCongrats Jenna. A 1/2 is a big commitment but SO rewarding. I’m glad you’ll get to experience it.
I hope you’ll organize something in SF when you’re out here 🙂
kristi
March 23, 2009 at 3:20 pmYAY Jenna! I’m so excited for you!
Murph
March 23, 2009 at 3:50 pmAs an SFer who ran the race last year (and hoping to get in this year!) I can say you will love it. And might I suggest a blog meetup at Tartine, the BEST bakery in SF?!?
jenna
March 23, 2009 at 3:54 pmMurph,
Ahhhhhh I have the Tartine Cookbook and LOVE it…have dreamed of actually going to the real place for years! That would be amazing….
Leah @ Simply Fabulous Now
March 23, 2009 at 4:02 pmI’m sooooo happy for you!! I hope I get up the nerve to join a half!! CONGRATS for signing up! I can’t wait to see your progress as you train and support you on the day of!!
Murph
March 23, 2009 at 4:03 pmYou have to go. It IS amazing.
Kristine
March 23, 2009 at 4:47 pmJenna! I am so happy that you are doing this! I am actually thinking about running a half to the Team in Training as well because my younger brother was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the young age of 16. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS!!!!!
Woman&Warrior
March 23, 2009 at 4:52 pmWow! That’s awesome! You’re coming to MY town! You’re going to love the produce scene out here! And, SF has PERFECT running weather. Cool and foggy. The race itself is beautiful–Embarcedero, Golden Gate Park, and then the finish is stunning–running down the great highway with pacific ocean waves crashing on one side. Stellar! Good pick!
Maybe we can meet you when you’re out here!
Woman&Warrior
March 23, 2009 at 4:53 pmWow! That’s awesome! You’re coming to MY town! You’re going to love the produce scene out here! And, SF has PERFECT running weather. Cool and foggy. The race itself is beautiful–Embarcedero, Golden Gate Park, and then the finish is stunning–running down the great highway with pacific ocean waves crashing on one side. Stellar! Good pick! LEt me know if I can help you get situated for your run.
Michelle Hisae
March 23, 2009 at 5:22 pmMy roommate is running for the L&L Team in Training too! But she’s doing the San Diego race this June. Good luck – it’s such a great cause, and it’s always fun to have something to work toward. I decided about a month ago that I was going to run Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon, and that was a big decision! I’m excited to see what you have in store as far as training goes! We’re all in this together! Hehe.
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
March 23, 2009 at 5:40 pmWow! Congrats! You can totally do it!
Meg
March 23, 2009 at 5:41 pmThis is so amazing Jenna!! Way to go on not only overcoming your shin splints but also working so hard for such an important cause. My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma 10 years ago in October and with amazing people like you and Meghann raising so much money for this cause I know we’ll find a cure some day! Thank you so much!
Meg
March 23, 2009 at 6:55 pmWhat a wonderful cause! Good luck with your training and fund raising!
sirenjess
March 23, 2009 at 7:51 pmCongrats!!!! I’m running the full marathon. How cool. Good luck with your training and fund raising. I will definitely be making a donation to you. How exciting.
Greta
March 23, 2009 at 8:02 pmGo you! Count me in on any pre/post race activities. San Francisco is my playground 🙂
sirenjess
March 24, 2009 at 5:06 amGreta, do you live in San Francisco? I’m also running the marathon this July and I would love a locals perspective on where to go eat.
Greta
March 24, 2009 at 7:39 pmSirenjess,
Yea, I’m from Marin County right over the bridge, but I’m in the city all the time. There’s a ton (more than that) of excellent places to eat. I’ll start brainstorming…