As an original dream team member, and someone that this isn’t my first rodeo for training for a half-marathon, you may think I love running all the time. Sometimes I do feel like this:

(Photo credit: Tom Patania)

But sometimes, it is a struggle to get out there and pound the pavement.

When you commit to Isabella’s Dream Team, it doesn’t mean it does not guarantee the journey will be easy. It still takes a lot of sweat and determination to get across the finish line. Our training consists of running at least 3 times a week plus cross training days (and rest).

There are days that it’s a challenge to get myself to go for run. Days when cozy my bed wants to keep me inside and comfortable.

Like this morning. My alarm went off and I immediately hit snooze for another 30 minutes. ‘Not yet,’ I told myself. The alarm buzzed at me again. I still wasn’t feeling it. I got out of bed and started my checking my emails, buying myself time to talk myself out of running. As the minutes ticked by, it was only getting hotter outside. ‘I will run tomorrow,’ I think.   Then I scrolled on Facebook and clicked our Dream Team group. Another team member had posted just moments earlier that they finished their run. Oomph. ‘Time to step it up, Julie,’ I think.

(Via John Maxwell)

This team holds me accountable and constantly reminds me of the purpose of our runs. Our reason is backed by a decision, commitment, passion and the desire crush cancer.  Even though I may not be smiling as I head out the door for my run, or during every run, I’m always smiling afterward.

(P.S. Don’t mind the fact that my face is the same shade of pink as my walls…)

I throw the sheets off, get dressed and start my warm up. I play my favorite song (Isabella’s Fight Song video) and as I step outside I remember what Coach said, “Raising money for pediatric cancer will one day be a thing of the past, but until then, we run.”