One Mission. One Goal.

I'm feeling so energized today. I'm relaxing on the couch at my friends Jennifer and Casey's home in Calgary, enjoying a day off. I'm staring at the window watching the snow fall. I'm aware of how cold it is out there today, and a little unwilling to go face the elements. I did go running the other day in the cold, and survived, but today is even colder. And snowier. I am opting to stay inside and reflect. I have much to look forward to. A few smaller races coming up: a 8K and a couple half marathons. All the while though, training for my next marathon - possibly my most special one ever.

I spent the last two days at a conference in Banff, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains. How could I not be reflective, seeing such beauty! And this conference was really like no other I'd ever experienced. Unlike conferences I'd been to in previous positions in my career that appeared to be just talk, this one was about concrete action. It was  actual steps we are going to take at LLSC to do what we do better. It was the "how" to every "what" we discussed. And all tied into the "why". Why is Team In Training raising funds? It is to invest in lifesaving cancer research and in support services for patients and their families. It is because we all have one mission at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - to find a cure for all blood cancers.We are all here for one mission. One goal.

So I'm fired up. I'm ready to do my part. I want to run and celebrate right now as I think about this (but won't because of the cold...). And I want to run with purpose going forward. I want to run for angels like Francois and Walter. I want to run for survivors, like my cousin Saeed. But most importantly, I want to raise funds for the LLSC in addition to the work I'm doing as a staff member. Why? Because I want to do my part in our collective fight. I want to make an impact. I believe that a world without cancer is possible.

I'll be writing more about those I'm fundraising to honour. I'd like to make that a focus over the coming months as I train for my next marathon - the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon. Please follow my posts here to read more. My blogging experience is a big part of who I am today, and I am excited to share my Team In Training journey with you.

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If you wish to sponsor me in my efforts, please visit www.tinyurl.com/runwithzahida or click the "Sponsor Me" button at the top of the page.

Thank you for your support! We're getting closer every day!