On March 1, Global Traveler will launch its seventh annual online charity travel auction. Once again, we have partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; 100 percent of the proceeds raised in the auction will benefit the charity. Prizes this year include business-class tickets, hotel stays and gadgets. Having been involved with LLS for a few years now, I was always intrigued by their Team in Training program. TNT is a wonderful program that trains people of all skill levels to compete in a race while raising money for the organization. I was always interested, but I thought participants had to compete in a triathalon, and the thought of swimming and biking was extremely daunting! In early January, I received a mailer about TNT and realized that I could compete in half-marathons, marathons, bike races and a multitude of other options. I signed up for an information session and joined the summer 2011 Bucks County TNT before I left. I am now in Week 3 of training. My event is the St. Luke’s Half Marathon in Allentown, Pa., on May 1. Everyone involved with TNT is exceptional. The coordinator is organized and supportive, offering fundraising workshops and encouragement . The coaches are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Not only do we have group trainings on the weekends, they have put together a daily training schedule for us and give us tips on what to wear, what to eat and how to properly stretch. I’m adjusting to life as an “aspiring runner.” I’m dedicated to completing this half-marathon and hopefully continuing the practice well beyond May 1. Now, as I begin to get used to my training, I have shifted my focus to the fundraising, trying to come up with creative ways to reach out and raise money for the fabulous organization. If anyone has suggestions for fundraising, please pass them along. I encourage everyone to help LLS in some way. On March 1, check out our auction website and bid on some excellent travel items. Or you can track my progress here and if you are so inclined, make a donation. Any increment helps, and even a dollar goes a long way in helping to find a cure for blood cancers. I’ve had many people in my life affected by cancer; and I’m training, running and fundraising for them. While they were not all affected by leukemia or lymphoma, finding a cure for one cancer is a huge step in the bigger battle. Support is huge in completing the training. Thanks to everyone for well wishes, and I will be posting about my experiences on this blog every few weeks until the race! — Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive