As you may recall, this year, I made a commitment to be a healthier Amy Kant. My new blog, Losing it without losing me details my journey to being the best me I can be. I never dreamed I would be signing up for a half-marathon this year. My goal was to run a 5k sometime in 2010. But God had other plans.

I have made a huge commitment. I signed up to be a part of Team Challenge:

Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s half marathon training program that raises critical dollars for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis research, while it trains you to cross the finish line at a half marathon. You’ll train over approximately 16 weeks for a specific half marathon, will be given fundraising advice and assistance, and then travel as a team to an exciting location for race weekend.

I am doing the Wine Country Half Marathon July 18, 2010. That’s 17 weeks from TODAY. 119 days. EEEK. I hope to run a few miles of the race, but I’ll be walking my big ol’ butt off to raise money and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis research.

My family has been affected by both of these diseases. My late grandma, Irene, suffered from colitis for decades. My godmother, Janice, has battled colitis for as long as I can remember. My uncle, Will, has suffered for years from both Crohn’s and Colitis. I walk with the hope that some day, the diseases that have affected my family will be eradicated. I walk for them. I walk for a cure.

If you are interested in learning more about Team Challenge and CCFA or are interested in donating, please visit http://tinyurl.com/napa2010. I need to raise $3800 in the next couple of months and need your help! I’m 23% of the way there, which is GREAT but it also means I have 77% to go. I hope you will consider donating to this worthy cause and supporting me in my journey to get healthy and help find a cure for the diseases plaguing my family.