Happy National Running Day! How am I celebrating? By setting new goals and giving back.

So, here I am! Two weeks ago, I ran 13.1 miles that gave me all the feels. Surrounded by my friends, celebrating love, life, and all the Gatorade that comes with it.

Post-race glow. Groovy hippie love vibes. I successfully navigated injury and came out the other side!

And that leaves me grateful. Grateful for this running community. Grateful for my health. Grateful that I can run.

And guys, I can run. Not particularly well, or fast, but I can run. I can put one foot in front of the other, and repeat as necessary.

So why not do some good with it?

Back at it with the Running Shoes.

In October of 2011, having lost my Uncle Brian to cancer, I decided to sign up for my first race with Team In Training. I raised over $3,200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and went on to run my first, and only, marathon at Lake Placid.

It has been five years since that race, but I'm not done yet. My connections to cancer have grown to encompass the amazing and fearless teammates I have met throughout the years. The appreciation and privilege I feel in being healthy enough to run having only been enriched by the months I could not.

So why not? Here I am, five years older but still capable. Let's try this again, again.

This time, I'll be running the Philly Marathon and raising $1,200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The money raised will help fund research, public and professional education, advocacy, community support programs, and patient aid. Thanks for your continued support of my running and such an amazing cause.

Feeling warm and fuzzy? Donate here to help.

So this Saturday, I'll lace up for my first practice. I'll meet some old friends, and make some new ones. And throughout the upcoming months, I'll see just how far my running shoes can take me. I'll give back to my community, raising money for an important cause.

And of course, I'll keep you updated with psychedelic illustrated running gifs along the way :)

Not done yet: Next Steps