liveSTRONG…

Monday already? I don’t know about you, but my weekend was jam-packed and flew by.

Katie, Nate & I had a fun time running the Scenic City Charity 5k in Chattanooga Saturday, even though the temperature was below freezing!

Last week, I worked extremely hard on an internship application for the Lance Armstrong Foundation! Thursday night, after working until 11:00 PM, I stayed awake until 4:30 AM analyzing every word of each sentence I wrote. I woke up early Friday morning to pack for Chattanooga before class, and then had my application reviewed by my adviser and my aunt (the president of her non-profit). After a little tweaking, I decided that it sounded fantastic and was bold enough to set me apart from the hundreds of other applicants. I was proud of my application and submitted it that afternoon.  I would love to work for the LAF and be a part of the movement to improve the health of our nation.

As you probably know, I am passionate about advocating a healthy, active lifestyle in order to prevent disease. Life is valuable and so many people fall victim to life-threatening diseases. In some cases disease is unexpected and unexplained, in others it is totally preventable.

Cancer is different. There isn’t a fool-proof prevention method or a specific cause. However, there are steps that we can take to lower our risk of forming cancer:

• avoiding smoking and overexposure of sunlight
• eating a diet rich in whole-grains, fruits and veggies, and lean protein, and avoiding refined, chemically laden foods
• exercising and maintaining a healthy weight
• protecting yourself from STDs, such as HPV
• limiting alcohol consumption
• scheduling regular doctor visits and cancer screening

How does cancer form exactly? Our bodies contain tons of cells that multiply when the body needs them and die when it doesn’t. Cancer forms when the genetic makeup of a cell becomes damaged and abnormal cells then multiply uncontrollably and do not die. The extra cells invade other tissues and sometimes form tumors. Not all tumors are cancerous, and not all forms of cancer form tumors. For instance, Leukemia is a form of cancer found in blood marrow and blood that begins when blood cells reproduce uncontrollably. Currently, there is no cure for cancer; however, it can be treated. Researchers believe they are getting closer to a cure. With increased awareness and funds, they believe they will discover the cure within ten years!

The Lance Armstrong Foundation aims to empower people and unite the world in the fight against cancer. It is their mission to improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease and prove that there is life after cancer! The LAF promotes grassroots fundraising in order to increase awareness at a local level. Grassroots fundraising is a way to get as many people involved in the fight against cancer through community events. For more information about how to become involved in the fight against cancer with LAF,click here.

People have asked me what motivated me to become so involved in the fight against cancer. I have met some pretty inspiring survivors, and have also seen first hand the tragedy of death due to cancer. I have close friends who have lost parents and family members to the disease. As the number two killer of Americans each year, this disease deserves serious attention! I am inspired to use my knowledge, skills, and physical abilities in a way that will improve the lives of others, which is why I changed my major from Entertainment Publicity to Public Relations. If I work each day knowing that my efforts are making a difference in the lives of others, it makes every minute worthwhile.

I am well aware that internships with the LAF (located in Austin, Texas) are highly competitive, and am not putting all my eggs in one basket. I will also be applying for internships with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and other non-profits. However, I am confident in my capabilities and know that whether or not I score an internship, I will continue to advocate and raise cancer awareness. It’s a cause worth generating a noise!

bright, shiny and new

Welcome to my new blog! This is a place where I will be blogging about my life and my thoughts on nutrition and environmental issues…and who knows, maybe a few random topics here and there! I also wanted to create this blog to hold myself accountable to living a healthy, green, active life.

Speaking of living an active life, I am currently training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon which is at Disney World in Orlando, Florida on March 7th! It will undoubtedly be an amazing experience, running all over Epcot, Magic Kingdom and the other parks with thousands of other women. And I get a crown!!

Even more exciting news: I signed up for my first FULL marathon!! That’s right 26.2 miles. I must be insane…but it’s on my bucket list, and the way I look at it, life is too short not to make your dreams happen NOW! So, I registered for the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon with Team in Training and pledged to raise at least $2,900.00 dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Honestly, I am nervous about the training and raising thousands of dollars in just four months, but then I remember the people who are fighting for their lives because they have been diagnosed with a blood cancer. It reminds me that I am truly blessed to have my good health and the physical ability to run, and this marathon and fund raising is nothing compared to the hardships they face every day. Their strength and will to live gives me the determination and faith to complete this marathon to save lives. I also have to thank my dear friend Brittney White, for encouraging me to embark on this rewarding journey! She too will be participating in Team in Training. I have known Brittney for about 4 or 5 years and like to take credit (so does Cade) for setting her up with Cade’s brother, Seth. They are SUPER adorable together

Seth, Brittney, Me & Cade at Arlington National Cemetery

I almost forgot–I’m also running a little 5k with my twinkie, Katie Gruber, in Chattanooga at the end of this month, the Scenic City 5K. Chattanooga is a gorgeous city, and I am pumped to run around it with Kate! Before Katie and I knew each other, I was frequently mistaken by strangers for “Katie.” I often wondered who this mysterious Katie was, until I begun working with her boyfriend, Nate at Logan’s Roadhouse. He informed me that people mistake his girlfriend for me often, and when Katie and I met we both said, “You’re the girl everything thinks I am!” Turns out we both have alot in common (we’re both hippies at heart) and have been great friends ever since.

Katie and Me-4th of July at her lake houseMe and Katie in Chattanooga for Oktoberfest

I never pictured myself as a long distance runner. I ran track all throughout high school, but I was a sprinter and hurdler. I never ran more than 800 meters at a time and cringed at the thought of running more than a mile. After I graduated high school, I started running to stay in shape. The more often I ran, the more endurance I gained and the farther I could go. After time, running not only kept me in shape, but it was also therapeutic. Kind of like shopping but better-because the more I ran, the better I felt in the fitting room trying on little black dresses Running makes me feel strong and confident. Being able to pound out a few miles any given day makes me love my body more for what I am able to do. Mentally and physically, running makes me feel amazing. What is your therapy?