Book Sale Fundraiser

Good evening friends, family and fellow TNT'ers!

I would like to have a book sale to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  If you have a book or several books you'd like to donate please contact me.  I will take any book.  You can either drop it off at my house in Pleasant Hill or I can make accommodations to come pick up your books if you're not too far away.  I'd like to have the books no later than Sunday March 20th.

This is the perfect opportunity to help support my efforts of raising $1500 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  If you'd really like to donate money instead please go to my blog at ultramd.blogspot.com.  Some employers double or even triple employee contributions so make sure to ask your employer if they match donations.

p.s. I'm still selling yummy milk and dark chocolate bars for $2 a piece.  Get them before they're gone!

That's Gina modeling my chocolate bar.  Yum!

Love ya'll! 

Kickoff to Spring 2011

January 29, 2011 was the first day of my Ultra training season.  I'm on the left, Brian is the Web Captain next to me, Chris Kern is the Fundraising Captain next to Brian and Monique Winkler is one of the Coaches on the right.  This season I'm not only a participant but also a Mentor for 7 East Bay participants and Honoree Captain for 3 honorees on our team. As Mentor, I help guide the participants, answer questions, organize carpools and socials, and help with fundraising.  I also help report any concerns to the team manager or coaches.  As Honoree Captain I keep in touch with our honorees, Laura Warren, Mark Zafra and Justin Estrada, and report back to our team.  Laura Warren has had Hodgkin's twice, had breast cancer and was currently re-diagnosed with breast cancer.  She's is a strong person and always has a smile on her face.  I love Laura!  Justin Estrada was also diagnosed with Hodgkin's, went into remission and was re-diagnosed with Hodgkin's.  He recently underwent a bone marrow transplant from his sister.  We are still waiting to hear the "R" word.  He's doing quite well and having fun socializing with everyone on Team in Training.  Mark Zafra is currently in remission!  He had Hairy Cell Leukemia but has been cancer free for several years now.  He has such a great story and is so inspiring.  I would like to someday see a cure for all cancers.  I've lost a few friends to cancer and I've learned that being on Team in Training has helped me be a better friend and more understanding of those suffering from it.

Laura Warren

Justin Estrada

Mark Zafra

Another ULTRA Fabulous Running Season

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen!

I've decided to join Team in Training for my 5th season.  This time around not only am I going to be training for another ultra marathon, 32 miles, but also returning as East Bay Mentor and Honoree Captain.  I have a lot on my plate but ready for the challenges I am facing this season.

My first and ultimate challenge is to raise $1500 by July 1st.  These very important funds are to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and hodgkin's disease and to help improve the quality of life for anyone suffering from these blood cancers. 

I'm extending an invitation to anyone who has run at least a half marathon to join me raise funds and train for an ultra marathon.  Here's a little blurb about Team in Training's Ultra Marathon...

     " The six-month ultra marathon training program consists of three phases -- base, strength-building, and distance -- tailored to multiple athletic ability levels. The team will train on scenic trails all over the Bay Area.  Designed with the busy person in mind, the training calendar outlines five to six days of training per week. Most weekday workouts are 45 to 90 minutes or less, with longer workouts reserved for the weekends.To join the ultra marathon team, you should be injury-free, able to run on hills, and have a good pair of running shoes. Additional athletic prerequisites (this will be a challenging course) and gear requirements (including attire, trail running shoes and water gear) will be discussed upon registration."

If you have any questions or would like to try a trail run please contact me.  It's become a passion of mine and I would love to share this experience with you.  If you'd rather not please make a contribution to my website to show your support and put a smile on my face : )  Remember to check with your employer to see if you can double your donation by having them match your contribution.  This will guarantee a successful fundraising season.

If you'd like to continue reading about my ULTRA journey you can catch me on my fundraising website at http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/skyline11/margaritaeduran@yahoo.com. 

I will be updating my site tonight where I will be featuring yummy belgian milk and dark chocolate bars.  Please place an order soon as they will be going quickly!  $2 minimum per bar.