Day 10 for 10-10! In honor of cancer survivor and LAF + LIVESTRONG founder Lance Armstrong

Please donate to my fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation: HERE

DAY 10 OF 10-10: In honor of cancer SURVIVOR and founder of LAF and LIVESTRONG Lance Armstrong!!!
(Testicular Cancer)

10 mile run -Louisville, CO. (1:27.05, high 80's sunny and breezy, Davidson Mesa Trail, 8:42/mi, 8:37, 8:35, 8:35, 8:19, 8:34, 8:52, 8:32, 8:58, 9:13, 8:44)

"Despite the odds, Armstrong survived his battle with cancer and, with a new found dedication, he won three races in 1998 and the Tour de France in 1999. If the story ended here it would be the greatest comeback story of all time.

But, Armstrong went on to win seven Tour de France races an impossible feat even for someone healthy their whole life." Here is Lance's Story from LIVESTRONG.ORG

"At age 25, Lance Armstrong was one of the world's best cyclists. He proved it by winning the World Championships, the Tour Du Pont and multiple Tour de France stages. Lance Armstrong seemed invincible and his future was bright.

Then they told him he had cancer.

Next to the challenge he now faced, bike racing seemed insignificant. The diagnosis was testicular cancer, the most common cancer in men aged 15–35. If detected early, its cure rate is a promising 90 percent. Like most young, healthy men, Lance ignored the warning signs, and he never imagined the seriousness of his condition. Going untreated, the cancer had spread to Lance's abdomen, lungs and brain. His chances dimmed.

Then a combination of physical conditioning, a strong support system and competitive spirit took over. He declared himself not a cancer victim but a cancer survivor. He took an active role in educating himself about his disease and the treatment. Armed with knowledge and confidence in medicine, he underwent aggressive treatment and beat the disease.

During his treatment, before his recovery, before he even knew his own fate, he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This marked the beginning of Lance's life as an advocate for people living with cancer and a world representative for the cancer community.

Lance Armstrong's victories in the 1999–2005 Tours de France are awe-inspiring, but the battle against cancer has just begun—not just for him, but for all cancer survivors and people just like him who think cancer could not affect them. He plans to lead this fight, and he hopes that you join him. This is a life he owes to cancer. This is his choice to LIVESTRONG."

Today's run was a bit emotional and challenging. I was exhausted physically and a bit mentally. The build up of miles and emotion start to get to you if that makes any sense. I chose to run this run at Davidson Mesa Trail head. I ran 1 mile around the lake and then crossed the street and ran 3 of the same big loops to finish up. I was worried about my fatigue and exhaustion so this way I could be in loops and stop and break up the run into sections if I needed. I ran with two watches to allow if I broke it up to have one with mile splits and the other with total time running. It started off impressively easy but as the miles came and the sun was affecting me I was starting to struggle near the end. I kept thinking of those that have to fight every day against the disease and that I could push through. I was dehydrated and beginning to bonk. Then the last mile came and it all went away and I found myself reflecting on the whole journey the last 10 days and the super early runs, and fighting through at times. I found myself crying at the finish of the last mile in joy, accomplishment and for those that I ran for. It was a lot more emotional than I ever imagined it would be.

In close Lance has always been amazing at pushing through the limits and having a very strong mind. It is also amazing that he has been such a great help to this foundation and to those that are still fighting today. I have admired this for years and am proud to run for him on this day.

With heart,
Jax