Life in the Middle Lane

The week before I started training with Team in Training, I attended their season kick-off. There were several speakers, some talking about the training and others talking about their connection with blood cancers.  One speaker in particular touched my heart. She was about my age, tall, blond, and pretty.  She talked about the weeks leading up to her leukemia diagnosis, how tired she felt and how much pain she was in.  She was diagnosed at 25, and thankfully, she’s in remission.  She also told us about a close friend, who was also battling cancer.  Her friend was not so lucky, and was undergoing experimental treatments. The speaker asked us to pray for her friend.

As the speaker left the podium and walked down the aisle by me. I took a close look at her face. She didn’t look like any cancer patient I’d ever seen. She had great hair, and appeared to be at a normal weight. In fact, I likely wouldn’t have pegged her as a cancer survivor out of a line up.

Not only is she a cancer survivor, she a half-marathoner.  She’s pushing herself this season, and running the Nike full in honor of her friend. And she’s fast! Whenever I’m in the back of the pack, complaining about the hills or the heat, I remember her struggle and push on. I’m totally in awe of her.

I’m currently training for a marathon and raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  To help me meet my goal, consider donating on my Team in Training page. Together we can out-run blood cancers.