'Bout time

I don't follow the conventional rules of blogging. With my last post dating February of 2012, I am definitely not a "regular" blogger, I do not follow many other blogs, and those that I do follow, I rarely make comments. I'm not sure my blogging style is "casual" either, since my posts tend to be weighty (at least in my eyes) and significant. I don't even consider myself much of a writer. More often than not, I sit down and I wing it, letting my thoughts and usually my sarcasm tumble into words on my screen. This post is no different.

The last time I wrote I had just met with my doctor in Baltimore, one year after my transplant, and I was medication free and cleared for ALL activity. At the time that meant occasionally working out in the garage (we have a small workout area set up), getting on the mat with the wrestlers I coach, and the freedom to participate freely with my girls in their active lives. I had no idea it would take me to the place I find myself today. Let me explain...

On October 6, I am joining a team that is participating in the Tough Mudder Race in Auburn, Wa. This event wasn't even on the radar until a good friend of mine invited me to join his team. At that moment, and over a nice glass of IPA I might add, the idea sounded ridiculous and totally within reach at the same moment. At the time I was training to train, but this gave me purpose. Those of you with a competitive spirit know what kind of mental switch takes place when you prepare for competition rather than simply maintain a training schedule.

The Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile race, peppered with intense military style obstacles that are tougher on the mind than the body, but the body has to be ready. So for what it's worth I've been training, hoping that my my body and my mind are ready.

This isn't the end of the story however. A good friend of mine has started a charity foundation called Team Julia. It is a non-profit agency that raises money for cancer victims as well as cancer research. Team Julia works through race participants to encourage people to donate money. So far Team Julia has represented Ironman participants and complete Ragnar teams among other races. Now it is time to add the Tough Mudder to the list of Team Julia events.

So many of you donated generously when my family was in great need. I know the financial burden of treatment, loss of pay from missing work, and unforeseen costs related to serious illness. If you are willing and able, please consider donating to Team Julia as my sponsor for the Tough Mudder.

I can't thank all of you enough for your support over the years. Your prayers are felt, your well wishes heard...now it's my turn.