Cancer and Healthy

I hit my training yesterday, but I had a good excuse. Seriously, I've done. I hit my workout because I went to a Team in Training information session.

For those of you who do not know what this is, Team in Training is one of the largest training in the nation. They are dedicated to helping the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society find a cure for blood cancer. Something I did not know is that the team in Training (TNT) has donated close to $ 975 million for cancer research since its inception 20 years ago. In central Texas area alone last year TNT raised close to $ 1 million dollars. They are looking to raise more than this year.

I went to the meeting, more information about the organization, and to find out how the whole thing works. I'm not entirely sure that I want to do the whole fundraising thing, but I wanted to know how the organization is all about. I know no one with cancer (knock on wood), nor do I still understand what is involved in fundraising. I know what it takes to train and run a marathon, the training does not concern me. Finding time to train, concerns me.

Here it is in a nutshell: What you as an individual do is join a local TNT group in your city, and fund raise. In return for your efforts, TNT will train you to run a marathon, half marathon, or a full triathlon, or any other event is a good fit for them and for you. Here in Austin, we have a choice of events between the Phoenix ROCK'N Roll Marathon and the AT & T Austin Marathon.

I've never been one for everybody something to give. The whole concept of giving something back is foreign to me. In fact, I'm greedy and hatred and share everything. I am specially averse to the idea of fundraising, but there is something about this organization, which is apparently different.

For one, I believe in their cause.

I do not understand cancer, and I really do not understand why the governments of the world and not just large corporations fund something that has to do with cancer research and finding a cure. I do not understand why it's up to us, the little people of the world, to the big things that must be done to make the world a better place. That has nothing in the grand scheme of things, I do not understand why individuals are left holding the bag.

Secondly, I feel like I need to do something.

From a personal stand point, I'm not in a great position financially. I can not contribute any money to the cause. I just can not help financially at this moment in time.

I'm not in good shape, either physically. I just measured my BMI (Body Mass Index) and I'm classified as morbidly obese. I need to do something about my health. I need you in a better shape, and I feel like I need the motivation that this group will join me.

I think that participation in Team in Training help me reach my goals of becoming more physically fit, as well as give me the chance to help an organization that deserves help. It is a win-win all around. So, Lord willing, on August 21 I will officially join the group and begin the training and fundraising for the AT & T Austin Marathon in February. Can I count on your support?