What am I getting myself into??

I used to joke that I'd only run if something were chasing me. I mean, let's be honest - I'm far from an athlete. My preferred workout is yoga and I was downright confused the first time I entered a running store.

But I'm casting my old ways aside for the time being and signing on to do something I've talked about doing for some time now:

I'm going to run a marathon.

You read it right the first time. I - the woman whose previous expereience with endurance events didn't extend past long car trips - will take part in the 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando, Florida.

I'm running and training with a group called Team and Training (http://www.teamintraining.org/), a national organization dedicated to raising funds to educate, treat, and cure various types of blood cancer.

I've lost a lot of people I love to cancer in my lifetime : my godfather, my cousin, and other friends and relatives who left this world much too soon. And while I made one personal donation earlier this year to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths Program (my husband is still reeling from the loss of my hair), I've decided it's time to do something more substantial. More challenging. And by all accounts, more satisfying.

So I'm inviting everyone to follow along as I prepare for my January event. I'm going to regularly update my training and fundraising progress up until and just after the run. It should be entertaining, informative, and - lord willing - somewhat inspirational.

I'm also asking everyone to spread the word. I have a lot - A LOT - of funds to raise before December. $3,800 worth to be precise (74% of which goes directly to furthing T&T's mission activities).

So PLEASE, forward my cause on to your friends, family, Facebook contacts, Twitter followers - anyone who will listen!!

And remember: NO donation is too small! (Seriously!)

You can send a check (made out to LLS), cash, or money order directly to me or you can make a online donation (how easy is that??) at my Team & Training Web site:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/wdw10/adjwiley

If you happen to know someone or some group who might be interested in supporting a corporate sponsorship, send them my way! I am more than happy to share the details and benefits with any and everyone!

And of course, feel free to comment, ask questions, poke fun at, or support me at any point along the way. I've got a feeling that this is going to be a long trip to Orlando, and I'll definitely appreciate the company.

Thanks in advance for your help and wish me luck!!!