Season One 2012 – Nashville
January of 2012 was finally the year I got the guts and motivation to train for a 1/2 marathon. I was so excited to join all the amazing people I had met while planning the Get Your Rear in Gear 5k race for Colorectal Cancer. I knew I would be in the best hands and have fun while training. I mean any group that runs and drinks is my kind of crowd. So off to training I would go each cold, wintery Saturday morning to run with “my people”. A few weeks into training we got our Brooks running shirts….on the front it says “Long Distance Hero”. We are training for the Rock-n-Roll Nashville Full and 1/2 Marathon. Well never in my wildest dreams did I think this was going to be more than just crossing the finish line at 13.1 miles. I have a much longer distance to go, but with the help, encouragement, and spirit of our training team, sponsors, supporters, friends and family I will travel the long and hilly road with my heroes!!!!
A shout out to some of our sponsors!!!
Omega Sports ~ PR Race Management ~ Brooks ~ Omega Sports (not a dup I just love them!!!!!)
The team members are too numerous to count, but let me just tell you that each one of them, individually, has incrediable value to 
me. You are all Long Distance Heroes and I can’t wait to get back on the pavement with all of you…my sneakers ache for asphalt!
Season Two 2012 – Savannah
So what do you do after training for a half, successfully crossing the finish line, while in Stage IV Colon Cancer.. .if your answer is rest, you are so wrong….you sign up to run another half with the greatest training team ever. I mean, have any of you known me to miss a good time? Nope, not me! This summer I will train for my first tiathlon. Again with the crazy….. In my defense, I had already signed up for the Rambling Rose Tri in September before my diagnosis in April. Swimming and biking will make for some fun cross-training. I can’t even begin to tell you how much exercise has helped me endure treatments. Progress is a process…so far so good.
So why not just wait to run another half until next year. First off…never wait!!! I learned that lesson already. Secondly, I now know about the value of a team. I’ve never been on an athletic team…hell, I was never even athletic. I picked a fine time to switch gears, don’t you think? Even if I couldn’t run and only cheer them on I would happily pay the training fee just for the inspiration I receive from them each and every day. Thank you all from the bottom of my soul…you have raised my spirits and my heart rate to a level I’ve never known.
So back to my next half….here we come Savannah. John (my husband) and I will both train together for this very special race. Why is it so special?… because we’re doing it together. Scans, blood tests, and treatment are not the quality time or milestones on which we want to focus. Crossing a finish line in Savannah…now that’s something we can get on board with. So in November, we will spend 13.1 amazing miles together…can’t wait.
Please consider joining us this season…training starts next month and I can promise you, not only that you will get in shape and have a good time, but it might just change your life!!!!! I’m the living proof!
Long Distance Hero 
❤ this!