26 Reasons to Run - Reason #18

The 18 miler has always been one of my most challenging training runs, more so even than the 20 miler. There is just something about it that feels like a struggle to break through. I've gotten physically sick during an 18 mile training run. I've pulled muscles during an 18 mile training run. Maybe by now it's purely psychological, but I always start the 18 miler feeling like it is going to be a tough run.

During next week's marathon, I am running Mile #18 in support of Jeff.

On vacation with his family, two weeks after his initial cancer diagnosis

Jeff was originally diagnosed with and treated for Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2012. After a year of treatment with no sign of improvement or relief, in July of 2013 his doctors ran more tests and discovered that he had Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma), which is a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. 

Jeff is currently in "partial remission", where chemotherapy is maintaining normal blood levels, and is feeling better than he has in years. Jeff's next course of treatment will be a stem cell transplant.

Jeff at beer & trivia night this week, with our friend Tracy

He'd like you all (TNT participants and LLS donors) to know how grateful he is for the support you're providing to people like him. This TNT training season is almost over, but he's hoping to come out and show his support for the TNT athletes at some future training events. Looking forward to seeing you on the trails, Jeff!