Week 1: Birthday weekend 2-miler with the team

My birthday was yesterday.  At this point in my life, it's mostly just another day, but one of my friends suggested doing something special for my birthday weekend.

I did my first group run with my team of moms today, and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday, honestly.  We're running to celebrate life -- our own health, the lives of our kids, the lives of the people who have survived their battles with blood cancer, and in honor of those who have passed on.  We run to raise money to fund patient resources and research toward a cure, so that people can celebrate more birthdays.

So for the sake of birthdays, I made it through another 2-mile run, with Liliana in tow.

I honestly didn't think Liliana was going to be able to come with me this morning, as she didn't fall asleep until after 9:30 last night.  Her bedtime is around 8!  But at 6:45 this morning, after days of not waking up until around 7:30-8, she decided she was good to go.  I'd like to think she knew that this morning was special.

Our team is amazing.  There are women of all abilities, kids of all ages.  Two moms are less than 3 months postpartum!  Granted, my complications and anemia kept me down, but even if I'd had an easier recovery, I still don't think I would have been ready to take on training for five miles so soon.  I wanted to give them high fives.

Liliana was a very patient passenger today, as we took some extra time for introductions and a mid-run break for some strength exercises.  We also waited to support our fellow teammates behind us.  Waiting is not exactly easy for a toddler, but with a snack and some leftover Mardi Gras beads from the Big E parade, she was good to go.  She was pretty quiet today, but I have a feeling she'll start to open up as we get more into our routine.

As for me, I'm huffing and puffing a bit as I get my body readjusted to running.  I was running 6 miles back in July when I thought I'd try training for the Hartford Half Marathon, but when Liliana started having a rough patch of sleep, I had to quit because my body just wasn't recovering like it needed to.  Without a goal, I got lazy and pretty much haven't put my running shoes on in the past two months!  I know it'll come back quickly enough so long as I keep at it and get my mid-week sessions in.  I definitely feel better today than I did after my first attempt at running on Tuesday, so there's progress for sure!

If you've been thinking of making a donation toward cancer research, you could be my first official donor!  It would definitely get you brownie points, and who knows, maybe some actual brownies?  Even without the potential for a sweet treat I hope you'll consider making a donation.  Consider it like me doing the running for you!

Lacing up my running shoes -- and unpacking the stroller

Hello again!

Three years ago, I did something I never thought I could -- I went from non-runner to marathon runner in just a few short months.  I ran the Nike Women's Marathon with Team In Training in honor of my dear friend Caitlin, who was battling leukemia.

Caitlin passed a couple of months after I crossed the finish, but she forever lives on in the hearts of the many people she touched, including mine.  While I had to take a couple of years off of running to have my beautiful daughter Liliana -- whose curiosity and love of the world remind me of Caitlin every day -- I've been determined to get back on the road.  Earlier this year I trained for a 5k with Liliana, and we crossed the finish line together during Mother's Day weekend.  But we're ready to take it to the next level, and that's why we're training together, through Moms In Training, to complete a 5-mile race this November in Caitlin's memory.

I'm so excited to be running again for such a wonderful cause.  And even though I'll be chasing after thrown shoes and sippy cups while singing Old McDonald to keep my training partner entertained, it is worth every moment!

My personal goal is to raise $1000 for leukemia research.  If you're interested in making a donation of any amount -- even $5 makes a difference! -- you can donate using the button on the top right of this page.  I can also process cash, check or credit card donations personally.

I hope you'll follow us on our journey to the finish line!