Racing to Save Lives

I did it! Sunday, May 2nd!, I ran 21.2 km in 2 hours and 33 minutes! And guess what? I actually had FUN doing it! Believe me, I was not expecting to have fun. I was expecting a long tough slog in the rain. But it there was so much great energy and people cheering you on that it really was over quickly. The first hour went by very fast, as I was just looking around at all the people running (14,000!), and smiling and waving to the people cheering us on. High fives! It got a little quieter through Stanley Park (the HILL at Prospect Point!), but coming out at English Bay right around the 2 hour mark, and seeing the people there to cheer us on was very heartwarming and I think I experienced the fabled "runners high" at that point. I felt absolutely euphoric. Didn't last long though - the last 20 minutes were a bit of a tough slog. In the rain. But by then I was literally in the home stretch. What else can I say, except crossing the finish line felt really really good!

HUGE thank you's to everyone who donated goods and services that we auctioned off at our silent auction fundraiser last Wed, April 21st. We had a great turnout and raised just under $1,700.00!

Big thank you's to all of our sponsors - check out the list below:

Irish Heather Restaurant (GC = Gift Certificate)

The Reef Restaurant (GC & sauces)

Choices Market Cambie (HUGE gift basket)

Walrus Shop (GC)

Cycles Lambert Canada (Bike stuff listed above)

Rain Salon and Boutique (GC's)

Fine Finds Boutique (leather bag & GC)

Portobello West Fashion and Art Market (GC)

Sleemans Brewing (beer!)

Vancouver Aquarium (tix for 2)

Arc'teryx

Steamwhistle Beer

Rain City Bikes

Five Left Leather

Make It! (free tickets to the market)

Ole Originals (T-shirt)

Barefoot Contessa (gift basket)

Affera Cosmetics (GC)

Pomo Mama (Jewelry)

Groovy Glass Girl (Jewelry)

Me & You (high end cloth shopping bags)

Freelion (bags & more)

White Rabbit (handcrafted fabric goods)

Giulia Fatica (leather and hand felted accessories)

Mindans (handmade fine sterling silver jewelry)

ReVamped (handmade handbags)

BuenoStyle (vintage jewelry)

Firefly Notes (paper goods & more)

Thyrza Terrariums

CookieVonster

Tanis Alexis (hand crafted felted goods)

Distinctly Red (embroidered bags & more)

Benjamin Brown Books (set of 4 children's books)

Trashy Bling (Jewelry)

A Farmer's Daughter (feather head bands)

I am training to participate in the BMO Vancovuer 1/2 marathon this May 2nd. It's a bit daunting, as those of you who know me know that I'm not much of a runner! This will be my first time taking on such a huge challenge.

All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I’m completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLSC’s mission.

Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress! Thanks for your support!

Christi

(Thank you to www.sarahmurray.com for the photo!)