Hi Friends, Family, and Blog Followers.
So, two weeks ago our team had our longest hike before we hike in Utah. We were on the GreenRock trail which is absolutely beautiful. Our goal was to complete at least 12 miles in order to be prepared for the 10.7 mile hike we will be doing in Utah. With the altitude we will have in Utah a little extra mileage is about all we can do to help prepare. Much to my surprise I have been the speediest one in our group. Hiking I can typically do about 3 miles per an hour (while I'm fresh...after mile 10 I have found my speed exponentially drops). I ended up getting quite ahead of the group on this particular hike and putting in about 3 extra miles so my total at the end of the day was somewhere between 14 and 15 I believe. It was a great hike, but by the end of the 11th mile I was hurting. My feet felt like they might break in two. I wish I was exaggerating. All of my gear has been great, except for my shoes. Much to my team's dismay I have not returned them to REI even though they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I don't know, something about returning shoes I've worn 8 times and are caked with mud just doesn't seem right. Anyway, with 14 miles under my belt, I guess I now have no excuse to not do a marathon. This hiking adventure has definitely increased my confidence in my body's ability, which I am so thankful for. If you remember back to my first post or so, the fact that I would be the fastest one on my team and could hike 14 miles without much trouble would have been unbelievable to the Abby of Winter 2009. I'm not bragging, just shocked and thankful. I really and truly appreciate all of you who have helped to make this experience possible for me financially and mentally/emotionally. I am excited for the hike and can't wait to share about it when I get back. If you haven't donated yet and would still like to there is time. I am $225 away from meeting my goal of $3,600. Just visit my fundraising site at http://pages.teamintraining.org/gat/zionpark11/ahowardzwv. Thank you again!
Not all who wander are lost,
Abby
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A cow and a horsetooth
It has been quite a busy summer so far with a lot of transition, changes, and decisions to be made. The one constant thing in my life besides my family and my dog has been training and preparing for this hike. I have been amazed at the generosity of all of you who have donated and written me letters of support! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am almost halfway to my fundraising goal and I still have 10 weeks left to meet my goal. If you haven't donated yet I definitely encourage you to do so because each dollar really does make a difference. In fact, Wednesday, it came out that research being done at the University of Pennsylvania on a particular treatment for leukemia has exceeded the "wildest expectations" of the doctors and researchers on the project. If you would like to read more about these results here is a link to an article describing the new findings, which may not lead just to an effective treatment, but possibly a cure for CCL. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44090512/ns/health-cancer/t/new-leukemia-treatment-exceeds-wildest-expectations/?fb_ref=.TkPefoHBLVQ.like&fb_source=profile_oneline
I wanted to share with you a few stories from my training, one particularly that I hope will make you smile and one that I know will touch you and remind you of why this is such an important journey we are joining in on.
To begin, as many of you know I was raised on a cattle farm in Arkansas and my nickname growing up was Elly May (the character played by Donna Douglas on The Beverly Hillbillies who was always showing up with new 'critters' and carried a chimp around on most of the episodes). A few things I have always had a special talent for, that I credit to my upbringing, is my ability to rescue and find homes for lost dogs, my knack for nursing back to health sick animals (sheep, calves, puppies, etc), and also doing a rather impressive impersonation of a recently weaned baby calf. Now for those of you who ain't farm folk there is a difference in a calf's call when it is just hungry and it's mama is close by and when it is hungry and it's mama is in the other pasture because it's weaning time. This particular weaning sound is sort of an mmmmm-bluuuuuuuur type of noise and I realized around the age of 16 that I could make that call as good as any baby bovine. I am sure you are wondering what any of this has to do with hiking, but just stay with me for a little bit longer. A few weekends ago I was on my second hike with the team in Pere Marquette (which is beautiful) and we were on our 6th mile or so out of 8. It was blistering hot and we were all exhausted. I was holding up alright, but I could tell that my energy had been zapped and I was no longer paying too much attention to the beautiful path, but rather, just getting one foot in front of the other until I could sit down in my air conditioned car. Suddenly, though, we all heard a loud mooing to our left. The particular trail we were one was quite wooded and you could barely see five feet past where you were standing due to all the trees and vines. (Don't worry the path wasn't that way, just to the sides). We all stopped hiking and looked around trying to find where this bellowing moo was coming from. I jokingly said, "I could do some of my cattle calls from the farm and see if I can get her to come closer." Without missing a beat my coach said, "Ya, ya I think you should do that" and motioned for me to begin. I don't know if it was the heat exhaustion that made my inhibitions so low that day or what, but without any hesitation I started doing the cattle calls I learned as a 4 year old girl carrying a bucket of grain and following my grandmother out into the hay pasture as we would herd all the cattle on our own two feet with a simple call of "Suk cow! Suk!" This cow, however, did not seem to be familiar with this particular call so she didn't come any closer but continued to rustle around in the bushes. That was when I decided to pull out my good ole' baby calf call and see what would happen. It wasn't 5 seconds after I starting mmmmm-bluuuring that she walked out of the woods and directly across from me with only about five feet between us!! All of my teammates were so excited and amazed as they clicked away with their cameras and iphones at this big mama cow who was now standing almost literally beside us in the middle of a hiking trail. She stared at me for a few moments with a look as if to say, "You are definitely not my baby" and then kept on walking, crossing our trail and heading up the mountain until we couldn't see her again for all the trees and vines. Finally, after 9 years of realizing my potential as an impersonator of a baby calf who was recently weaned, my talents were validated! Very few people that I have shared this particular talent with have had the level of appreciation that I think is necessary for such a fine tuned baby calf call, but now thanks to our hike in Pere Marquette, I can say that one particular Illinois cow and my TNT hiking team definitely do!
Another, more touching thing that happened on our hike in Pere Marquette was the "silent mile." The silent mile is exactly as it sounds, where the entire team hikes for a mile without talking to each other. It began with my coach's first training for a TNT hike, when she was only a participant. Her coach was a man and all the participants females, not to mention females who all became great friends, were very talkative, and had a particular interest in singing Disney songs at the top of their lungs on the trail. Needless to say, regardless of one's gender, that has potential for becoming slightly annoying. The coach finally declared that on each hike there would be one mile where no one was to talk, sing Disney songs, or say a word, but rather take a mile to breathe in nature, the experience, and think about all of the reasons for why individuals are doing this hike. Now, the silent mile is something that is practiced by all hiking team for TNT across the country. Before each silent mile someone on the team shares the story of why they are participating in the TNT hike and after the story is shared everyone hikes in silence to give honor to that story. Some pray, some meditate, some think about lost loved ones, or personal reasons for hiking. This particular time, a man who is helping with our training, shared about his brother-in-law who passed away from Leukemia. For some members of the team this story hit hard because it relates so closely to what they have been through. Tears were shed, hugs were given, and then thoughts were raised up in honor of this man who passed and his family who was left behind, as we continued to hike. It was a really beautiful expereince for me and I think the whole team. The silent mile is definitely a time when you feel you are bonding with the team even though no words are being said. You can hear the footsteps of each member, the breaths that get heavier as the incline increases, the wind as it winds between the trees, and the birds and bugs who are chattering to one another above and beside you. I am looking forward to more silent miles in the future and learning more about my team and the reasons for why this hike and all the events like it are so important to so many.
My last story is just to share about the wondrous Fort Collins, CO and the purely awesome hike that my dad and I did while we were there! Horsetooth Reservoir and Mountain sits right behind the city of Fort Collins and is a fantastic place for all types of recreational activities; hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, trail running, mountain biking, etc! The hike to Horsetooth Mountain is about 6 miles in all and moderate intensity. The last portion involves minor bouldering to the top of the "horsetooth" and from there is an amazing view of Wyoming to the north, Pike's Peak to the south, and all of Fort Collins beneath you! I had a great time hiking with my dad and getting to take in a whole different type of nature from what we have in Missouri!
I wanted to share with you a few stories from my training, one particularly that I hope will make you smile and one that I know will touch you and remind you of why this is such an important journey we are joining in on.
To begin, as many of you know I was raised on a cattle farm in Arkansas and my nickname growing up was Elly May (the character played by Donna Douglas on The Beverly Hillbillies who was always showing up with new 'critters' and carried a chimp around on most of the episodes). A few things I have always had a special talent for, that I credit to my upbringing, is my ability to rescue and find homes for lost dogs, my knack for nursing back to health sick animals (sheep, calves, puppies, etc), and also doing a rather impressive impersonation of a recently weaned baby calf. Now for those of you who ain't farm folk there is a difference in a calf's call when it is just hungry and it's mama is close by and when it is hungry and it's mama is in the other pasture because it's weaning time. This particular weaning sound is sort of an mmmmm-bluuuuuuuur type of noise and I realized around the age of 16 that I could make that call as good as any baby bovine. I am sure you are wondering what any of this has to do with hiking, but just stay with me for a little bit longer. A few weekends ago I was on my second hike with the team in Pere Marquette (which is beautiful) and we were on our 6th mile or so out of 8. It was blistering hot and we were all exhausted. I was holding up alright, but I could tell that my energy had been zapped and I was no longer paying too much attention to the beautiful path, but rather, just getting one foot in front of the other until I could sit down in my air conditioned car. Suddenly, though, we all heard a loud mooing to our left. The particular trail we were one was quite wooded and you could barely see five feet past where you were standing due to all the trees and vines. (Don't worry the path wasn't that way, just to the sides). We all stopped hiking and looked around trying to find where this bellowing moo was coming from. I jokingly said, "I could do some of my cattle calls from the farm and see if I can get her to come closer." Without missing a beat my coach said, "Ya, ya I think you should do that" and motioned for me to begin. I don't know if it was the heat exhaustion that made my inhibitions so low that day or what, but without any hesitation I started doing the cattle calls I learned as a 4 year old girl carrying a bucket of grain and following my grandmother out into the hay pasture as we would herd all the cattle on our own two feet with a simple call of "Suk cow! Suk!" This cow, however, did not seem to be familiar with this particular call so she didn't come any closer but continued to rustle around in the bushes. That was when I decided to pull out my good ole' baby calf call and see what would happen. It wasn't 5 seconds after I starting mmmmm-bluuuring that she walked out of the woods and directly across from me with only about five feet between us!! All of my teammates were so excited and amazed as they clicked away with their cameras and iphones at this big mama cow who was now standing almost literally beside us in the middle of a hiking trail. She stared at me for a few moments with a look as if to say, "You are definitely not my baby" and then kept on walking, crossing our trail and heading up the mountain until we couldn't see her again for all the trees and vines. Finally, after 9 years of realizing my potential as an impersonator of a baby calf who was recently weaned, my talents were validated! Very few people that I have shared this particular talent with have had the level of appreciation that I think is necessary for such a fine tuned baby calf call, but now thanks to our hike in Pere Marquette, I can say that one particular Illinois cow and my TNT hiking team definitely do!
Another, more touching thing that happened on our hike in Pere Marquette was the "silent mile." The silent mile is exactly as it sounds, where the entire team hikes for a mile without talking to each other. It began with my coach's first training for a TNT hike, when she was only a participant. Her coach was a man and all the participants females, not to mention females who all became great friends, were very talkative, and had a particular interest in singing Disney songs at the top of their lungs on the trail. Needless to say, regardless of one's gender, that has potential for becoming slightly annoying. The coach finally declared that on each hike there would be one mile where no one was to talk, sing Disney songs, or say a word, but rather take a mile to breathe in nature, the experience, and think about all of the reasons for why individuals are doing this hike. Now, the silent mile is something that is practiced by all hiking team for TNT across the country. Before each silent mile someone on the team shares the story of why they are participating in the TNT hike and after the story is shared everyone hikes in silence to give honor to that story. Some pray, some meditate, some think about lost loved ones, or personal reasons for hiking. This particular time, a man who is helping with our training, shared about his brother-in-law who passed away from Leukemia. For some members of the team this story hit hard because it relates so closely to what they have been through. Tears were shed, hugs were given, and then thoughts were raised up in honor of this man who passed and his family who was left behind, as we continued to hike. It was a really beautiful expereince for me and I think the whole team. The silent mile is definitely a time when you feel you are bonding with the team even though no words are being said. You can hear the footsteps of each member, the breaths that get heavier as the incline increases, the wind as it winds between the trees, and the birds and bugs who are chattering to one another above and beside you. I am looking forward to more silent miles in the future and learning more about my team and the reasons for why this hike and all the events like it are so important to so many.
My last story is just to share about the wondrous Fort Collins, CO and the purely awesome hike that my dad and I did while we were there! Horsetooth Reservoir and Mountain sits right behind the city of Fort Collins and is a fantastic place for all types of recreational activities; hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, trail running, mountain biking, etc! The hike to Horsetooth Mountain is about 6 miles in all and moderate intensity. The last portion involves minor bouldering to the top of the "horsetooth" and from there is an amazing view of Wyoming to the north, Pike's Peak to the south, and all of Fort Collins beneath you! I had a great time hiking with my dad and getting to take in a whole different type of nature from what we have in Missouri!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Hike #1
This past Saturday was my first official hike with the team. We completed two trails at Meramec Park, which totaled to a little over 5 miles. Meramec State Park is located in Sullivan, MO, which is about an hour drive on 44W from St. Louis.
http://mostateparks.com/park/meramec-state-park
This is a beautiful park and I would definitely recommend it! There are trails for all levels of hikers and depending on the trail you take, you may also be able to hop in the river for a swim!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Let the hiking begin
Tonight was my first time to meet my coach and fellow teammates, so as you can imagine I was quite excited! We met at Castlewood State Park and hiked for about a mile to a set of stairs that leads to a beautiful lookout point. This particular set of stairs totals to 208! My coach encouraged me to take it slow and just see how many I could do since this was my first time to climb with the team. After the third set my legs were starting to feel a little wobbly, but I knew I had more in me. I went down and back up twice more, which means I climbed a total of 1,040 stairs!! It was so helpful and encouraging to have my coach and the team there. I really think I might have stopped after 3 or 4 sets if it hadn't been for them. Our goal is to get to 10 sets before we leave for Utah! Right now the thought of that makes me cringe a little, but with all of your support and the support of my team I know I can get there!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Family
This past week has been a hard one for me and my family. My grandfather had a stroke on July 3rd and was put in the hospital in North West Arkansas. Thankfully, we were all able to go and be with him. All of us were with him when he passed and it was as peaceful as it could be considering the circumstances. I cannot express the level of gratitude I have for those in Springdale, AR and beyond who helped and supported me and my family this past week. So many people provided for us by bringing food to the hospital, having us in their home for dinner, letting us stay in their homes since we are all from out of town (now), keeping our dogs, sharing their time by sitting in the waiting room, and so much more.
This week was a reminder to me of what an amazing family I have and what a wonderful circle of support surrounds me and my family. My grandfather meant so much to so many people and I am honored to be a part of his legacy. I can thank my Poppy for quite a few things, like my blue eyes, curly hair, enjoyment of a good joke, love of singing and animals, and also many of the values that I hold dear. His example, along with my two grandmothers who have also passed on, is a huge reason for why I would want to hike for a cause. So, thank you Poppy, Bebop, and Maw Maw for what you showed me while you were on this earth. I hope I am making you smile wherever you. I love you.
This week was a reminder to me of what an amazing family I have and what a wonderful circle of support surrounds me and my family. My grandfather meant so much to so many people and I am honored to be a part of his legacy. I can thank my Poppy for quite a few things, like my blue eyes, curly hair, enjoyment of a good joke, love of singing and animals, and also many of the values that I hold dear. His example, along with my two grandmothers who have also passed on, is a huge reason for why I would want to hike for a cause. So, thank you Poppy, Bebop, and Maw Maw for what you showed me while you were on this earth. I hope I am making you smile wherever you. I love you.
Friday, July 1, 2011
A little about why I am doing this...
So, I have shared with you a little bit about the greater cause I am hiking for (raising funds for research and treatment of leukemia and lymphoma), but now I would like to tell you about the reason that is personal and individualized to me for participating in the Zion Hike.
I am soon to be 25-years-old and recently graduated with my Master of Social Work. The past two years have been intense, and in a really wonderful way. I have had the opportunity to expand my mind and understanding on several topics and meet some of the most amazing people! For any of you who have been through post-graduate training you know that your mental muscles get a mighty fine work out, but sometimes that can mean the muscles below your neck get a little...oh, let's say neglected. Now, I am proud of myself because I actually toned up a little in grad school and was dedicated to walking my dog daily and going to the gym on a regular basis. But, I in no way have challenged myself physically as I have challenged myself mentally. Another reason for this lack of physical challenge is because of something that happened in February of 2010 and has greatly contributed to me wanting to complete this hike.
In 2010 I had been having constant back pain for almost a year and in true 'grin and bear it' style refused to go to the doctor. Suddenly, while I was babysitting, my back totally gave out when I reached for a toy for one of the kiddos. I couldn't bend over at all. It didn't matter if I was sitting, standing, or lying down, the pain was persistent and excruciating. After 2 MRIs and a myriad of other tests I was diagnosed with a herniated disk between L4 & L5 vertebrae and also with a strange condition called syringomyelia. (Now if you go look that up you are going to get freaked out and thankfully WebMD's description is nothing like what I am experiencing now.)
The combination of the pain I was in and the diagnosis I had received was quite a blow to my self-esteem and also to my view of my body and it's ability. What has only recently come into consciousness for me is that during this time, and really up until the past few months, I grew to distrust my body and feel that it controlled my circumstances more than I did. I was also quite embarrassed to have mobility issues at 23. "Isn't this the time in my life where I am supposed to be able to move at my prime?" I thought. My physical therapist encouraged me to only walk any distance if I had my tennis shoes on and to not engage in any type of strenuous exercise, so no running, jogging, hiking, yoga, pilates, etc. For over a year I followed her rules and kept my exercise and movement minimal.
Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I felt disgusting and just hated being in so much pain all of the time. I started going to the gym without her permission, but stuck to the elliptical since the impact is so low. Then, I took a chance on a meditation technique that is supposed to help with lots of health related issues and almost instantly began to feel a positive difference!! After almost two years of hurting and not feeling confident in my body's ability I could run and challenge myself in the gym in ways I didn't think I would be able to do again. The pain I had been experiencing for almost 2 years straight almost completely dissipated! I felt like a new woman!! Around this same time my roommate signed up to run in the Rock n' Roll San Diego Marathon. I watched her get up every Saturday and run in Forest Park, adding on mile after mile, and all the while stay dedicated to this amazing organization and cause! As I continued to feel better, she continued to run and inspire me that maybe someday I could do something similar.
In June I had the privilege of being at the marathon with her and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life (not to mention hers)! When we got back home I mentioned to her that I wished there was a Team in Training type program for people who like to hike. Rosie just smiled and said, "Well, there is! It's called Team in Training!" I signed up as quickly as I could and now here I am!
I don't expect this training to be easy and I think there will be days I wonder why in the world I am getting up at 5 am to go hike 13 miles in the middle-of-no-where Missouri, but then I will remember that each day is a gift and I am so thankful to be able to move and challenge my mind and my body, especially since for a time I didn't think that was an option. Of course, as stated earlier, the greater cause of this hike is for research and finding a cure for leukemia and lymphoma, but as with most of the individuals I know who either hike or run a marathon or do the triathalon, we have our individual reasons, too. Many people I am hiking with have lost loved ones to a blood cancer or have themselves fought cancer and are now in remission. I don't want to compare my situation, because, really, there is no comparison to losing a loved one to cancer or fighting cancer personally. What I do want to say is that I am so thankful that I am in a place where I can hike a mountain and that with each step I take, both in the training process and on the official hike day, I will be doing it first for those whose lives have been touched by cancer and secondarily, for myself as I regain an appreciation for my body's ability and take an opportunity to challenge myself because I can.
I am soon to be 25-years-old and recently graduated with my Master of Social Work. The past two years have been intense, and in a really wonderful way. I have had the opportunity to expand my mind and understanding on several topics and meet some of the most amazing people! For any of you who have been through post-graduate training you know that your mental muscles get a mighty fine work out, but sometimes that can mean the muscles below your neck get a little...oh, let's say neglected. Now, I am proud of myself because I actually toned up a little in grad school and was dedicated to walking my dog daily and going to the gym on a regular basis. But, I in no way have challenged myself physically as I have challenged myself mentally. Another reason for this lack of physical challenge is because of something that happened in February of 2010 and has greatly contributed to me wanting to complete this hike.
In 2010 I had been having constant back pain for almost a year and in true 'grin and bear it' style refused to go to the doctor. Suddenly, while I was babysitting, my back totally gave out when I reached for a toy for one of the kiddos. I couldn't bend over at all. It didn't matter if I was sitting, standing, or lying down, the pain was persistent and excruciating. After 2 MRIs and a myriad of other tests I was diagnosed with a herniated disk between L4 & L5 vertebrae and also with a strange condition called syringomyelia. (Now if you go look that up you are going to get freaked out and thankfully WebMD's description is nothing like what I am experiencing now.)
The combination of the pain I was in and the diagnosis I had received was quite a blow to my self-esteem and also to my view of my body and it's ability. What has only recently come into consciousness for me is that during this time, and really up until the past few months, I grew to distrust my body and feel that it controlled my circumstances more than I did. I was also quite embarrassed to have mobility issues at 23. "Isn't this the time in my life where I am supposed to be able to move at my prime?" I thought. My physical therapist encouraged me to only walk any distance if I had my tennis shoes on and to not engage in any type of strenuous exercise, so no running, jogging, hiking, yoga, pilates, etc. For over a year I followed her rules and kept my exercise and movement minimal.
Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I felt disgusting and just hated being in so much pain all of the time. I started going to the gym without her permission, but stuck to the elliptical since the impact is so low. Then, I took a chance on a meditation technique that is supposed to help with lots of health related issues and almost instantly began to feel a positive difference!! After almost two years of hurting and not feeling confident in my body's ability I could run and challenge myself in the gym in ways I didn't think I would be able to do again. The pain I had been experiencing for almost 2 years straight almost completely dissipated! I felt like a new woman!! Around this same time my roommate signed up to run in the Rock n' Roll San Diego Marathon. I watched her get up every Saturday and run in Forest Park, adding on mile after mile, and all the while stay dedicated to this amazing organization and cause! As I continued to feel better, she continued to run and inspire me that maybe someday I could do something similar.
In June I had the privilege of being at the marathon with her and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life (not to mention hers)! When we got back home I mentioned to her that I wished there was a Team in Training type program for people who like to hike. Rosie just smiled and said, "Well, there is! It's called Team in Training!" I signed up as quickly as I could and now here I am!
I don't expect this training to be easy and I think there will be days I wonder why in the world I am getting up at 5 am to go hike 13 miles in the middle-of-no-where Missouri, but then I will remember that each day is a gift and I am so thankful to be able to move and challenge my mind and my body, especially since for a time I didn't think that was an option. Of course, as stated earlier, the greater cause of this hike is for research and finding a cure for leukemia and lymphoma, but as with most of the individuals I know who either hike or run a marathon or do the triathalon, we have our individual reasons, too. Many people I am hiking with have lost loved ones to a blood cancer or have themselves fought cancer and are now in remission. I don't want to compare my situation, because, really, there is no comparison to losing a loved one to cancer or fighting cancer personally. What I do want to say is that I am so thankful that I am in a place where I can hike a mountain and that with each step I take, both in the training process and on the official hike day, I will be doing it first for those whose lives have been touched by cancer and secondarily, for myself as I regain an appreciation for my body's ability and take an opportunity to challenge myself because I can.
Hiking for a Cause
Hi! I'm Abby Howard and welcome to my blog where I will keep you updated on my journey as I prepare to hike Zion National Park on October 29, 2011. I am training for this hike through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Team in Training (Gateway Chapter).
I was inspired to train for this hike by my dear friend and roommate, Rosie, who trained and ran for the Rock n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, just one month ago! Watching her get up every Saturday morning at the break of dawn to train with her team (well actually I slept through this part and was usually just getting up as she returned from a run) and seeing her challenge herself daily for a wonderful cause inspired me to want to do something of a similar vein. Training for this hike through Team in Training means that the funds I raise will go to support research and treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Since TNT's inception in 1988, more than 400,000 participants have raised over $1 billion (Team in Training brochure, 2011)!! In Missouri and Illinois alone over $19 million have been raised (Team in Training brochure, 2011)!
I would love for you to join me in this journey as I prepare to hike Zion National Park (specific trail to be determined) and raise money for a wonderful cause! You can donate online at http://pages.teamintraining.org/gat/zionpark11/ahowardzwv and remember any amount helps!
Thank you so much for visiting my site and for your support!
Abby
I was inspired to train for this hike by my dear friend and roommate, Rosie, who trained and ran for the Rock n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, just one month ago! Watching her get up every Saturday morning at the break of dawn to train with her team (well actually I slept through this part and was usually just getting up as she returned from a run) and seeing her challenge herself daily for a wonderful cause inspired me to want to do something of a similar vein. Training for this hike through Team in Training means that the funds I raise will go to support research and treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Since TNT's inception in 1988, more than 400,000 participants have raised over $1 billion (Team in Training brochure, 2011)!! In Missouri and Illinois alone over $19 million have been raised (Team in Training brochure, 2011)!
I would love for you to join me in this journey as I prepare to hike Zion National Park (specific trail to be determined) and raise money for a wonderful cause! You can donate online at http://pages.teamintraining.org/gat/zionpark11/ahowardzwv and remember any amount helps!
Thank you so much for visiting my site and for your support!
Abby
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