4.2 miles closer to a cure

Last Saturday I ran 4.2 miles! (See map above.)

First off, let me acknowledge the fact that for millions of people, running four miles is no big deal. But for someone who has battled a chronic illness like Crohn’s* since childhood, four miles feels like a giant accomplishment. And making that accomplishment all the sweeter is that fact that I had surgery on August 12th and have been in post-op recovery mode for the last few weeks. 

I have no doubt that my half marathon training to date helped me to a speedy recovery following surgery. After all, I currently am in the best shape of my entire life. Prior to beginning my training with Team Challenge, the longest distance I had ever managed to run was just under a mile (as part of high school gym class). But now, almost every week is a new “longest distance” personal record for me.

One of the most important factors in my ability to meet these running challenges is the high level of support I’m receiving from people. Nearly every day someone will email me or call me to voice their support, both for my run and for the underlying goal of eliminating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Thank you to every one of you — through your donations, thoughts and support, it feels like you’re running alongside me every time I train, and you’ll be along with me when I run in San Antonio on November 15. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Later this morning for our Team Challenge group training we will run another four miles, this time in a loop between Hart and Hoyt Parks in Wauwatosa. (See map below.) Here’s to continued accomplishments on the path toward a cure!

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To make a donation in support of my Team Challenge effort, or to keep track of my fundraising progress, please visit my participant page on the Team Challenge website. To post your comments, feedback and support, please visit my Share Your Thoughts page in this blog. And thanks in advance to each and every one of you who is helping make a difference for the 1.4 million Americans who suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

*The best source for information about Crohn’s disease is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, also known as CCFA. CCFA is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. CCFA provides accurate, current, disease-related information to the public, health care professionals, and patients and their families. The CCFA Information Resource Center can be reached at: 888.694.8872. The CCFA website is www.ccfa.org.