"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."

Friday, January 26, 2007

Team In Training

Last night I attended a Team In Training meeting.

This was an informational meeting concerning the events the Virginia Chapter will be involved with in the first half of the year. In late April or early May, another meeting will be held for the events scheduled for the second half of ’07.

At that time, I intend to sign on for the Chicago Marathon.

As my son served in the U. S. Marine Corp, I originally hoped to make the Marine Corp Marathon my first however TNT has opted to forgo the MCM this year and do Chicago instead. I was at first disappointed to learn of this decision however I’ve gotten over it as participating with TNT carries a higher priority with me.

As you probably know, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® is the world's largest endurance sports training program. The program provides training to run or walk marathons and half marathons or participate in triathlons and century (100-mile) bike rides. Since 1988, more than 295,000 volunteer participants have helped raise more than $660 million. By helping to raise funds for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and patient services, each participant helps to insure a cure draws ever closer.

I have two very close friends who have both participated with TNT in marathons. My running partner Bill Lawfield ran the Marine Corp marathon in 2005 and Beth Bell, my fellow RFWDG member, ran the San Francisco marathon in the mid ‘90’s. Both found their involvement with TNT to be an enriching and life changing experience. Their stories are truly inspirational and have certainly weighed heavily in my decision.

However, the main reason for my desire to be a part of TNT comes from my brother-in-law, William (Billy) Obenchain. Billy a lifelong firefighter, devoted father and great husband to my sister, has battled lymphoma for the past 6 years. And throughout his ordeal, he has consistently demonstrated a degree of courage, determination and faith which is as admirable as it is inspiring.

I want to run a marathon for myself. I want to do it with TNT for Billy.

“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.” - Plato

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry I am so slow in getting around to reading and catching up but just did so tonight. I am printing this off for Billy. I know it will mean as much to him as it does me. Thank you with lots of love and encouragement to keep running!!
Karen

Anonymous said...

Billy said thank you doesn't say it enough! He really appreciates you thinking of him.