Andi's Movement Towards Change

Hello family, friends, and followers. For those who know me, you know that March is my favorite time of year -- it's not because of my birthday, and not because of St. Patrick's Day. It's MARCH MADNESS time! And this year, you have the opportunity to have a lot of fun and be a part of something special! I invite you to join in the Team in Training NCAA Basketball Bracket Challenge. Even if you really aren't too into college hoops or don't think you are built for predicting winners, now is the time to get involved and have some fun and know that you are helping fight cancer at the same time. What's in it for me? And where does the rest of the money go? Each bracket entry fee is $25, with a maximum of 3, and all of the proceeds, minus the prize pay-out will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Prizes will be 25% to the 1st place person, and 15% to the second place. The more people that participate, the higher the payout, so spread the word and tell all of ...

Below is the formal letter from the Michigan Chapter of Team in Training, on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The letter serves as proof that I am indeed raising money for a good cause, and not trying to scam you in any way. --------- March, 2009 This letter is to confirm that Andrea Duncan is serving as a volunteer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Michigan Chapter, and is eligible to collect funds on our behalf. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is licensed with the state of Michigan as a 501 © (3) not-for-profit agency. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Andrea Duncan is a member of our Team In Training program and has agreed to raise a minimum of $4400 for the Society and train to complete a long-course triathlon. Please support Andrea’s hard work and efforts, on our behalf. Andrea's fundraising page is http://pages.teamintraining.org/mi/gctri09/a...

Here I am, a mere 73 days away from the first event of the season, the Gulf Coast Half Ironman. That seems like a long way off, but like a shadow in the light of day, the time is quickly fading away. So am I on the right road of preparedness for this 70.3 mile challenge? I suppose it depends on who is asked. My coaches, mentors, teammates, friends, family, all think that I can pull it off. And if you catch me in the right moment, you'll see that I can drink that Kool-Aid too. I'm one of the lucky folks (I just knocked on wood) where I can head out with little preparation and get a good distance under my belt now, whether it's a swim, bike or run. The biggest challenge that weights heavily on my mind right now is the challenge of meeting my fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through this Team in Training program. I'm admittedly slow out of the gate with this effort. Normally, I send out some letters and do an event or two and I am able to ...

Looking back on my life, I've learned that life has ebbs, and it has flows. There are great days, and there are crap days. And then there are days that are just there, where time passes by before we know it. Each day, each hour, offers an opportunity -- but I've learned that you have to know where to look for it. It's been almost two weeks since I've worked out becauser there is so much going on...it's one of those times where the tide is out, and I have a considerably higher amount of stress than normal. I have a lot going on in my life -- the joy and dedication to my awesome children, the emotionally draining process of a divorce, a demanding yet most enjoyable job, and yes, training and fundraising for this upcoming race. I am wondering if I can keep it all together. I woke up today more stressed out than I have been in a while. My mind has been racing for the last few days -- logistics, bills, taxes, practice, fundraising (which I am way behind on, certainly due...

In just a few weeks, I will be turning 40. Historically known as the mid-life of a human being, I did something crazy, or so some may say. No, I didn't go and buy a shiny new convertible that I can zip around town with. No, I didn't quit my job and decide to follow some dream of becoming an artist. No, I didn't jump in the sack with some hot Ken doll of a man. I bought a bike. A bike, you say? Yes. A beautiful, sleek, smooth fantabulous bike like no other I have ever had. It's a triathlon bike, and it rides like " buttah ." Traditional cyclists call it strange looking, but for me and my teammates, we call it beautiful. It's eye candy, this bike, and I don't regret one penny that I spent on it. However, I'm in a dilemma. You see, I'm one of the weird ones...I've always named the bikes I race on. (OK, I've only had one before now, and her name is Elly -- after my grandmother who fought multiple myeloma .) This bike was purchased for the ...

2009. A year of renewal, a year of growth. This video shows why I can't help but be active with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I'm thankful to be able to help this awesome cause once again. In 2009, one of my resolutions once again is to raise $5,000 for everyone who is fighting blood cancers. My intention is to reach this goal by my 40th birthday (March 5). Please join me in my quest by donating directly to LLS on my personalized web page -- it's a great way to start the new year right. On behalf of all of those who have fought blood cancers and for those who are just starting the battle, THANK YOU. Your help DOES make a difference!

When it comes to physical beauty, everyone has a unique attribute about them that sets them apart from the pack. Some people are blessed with beautiful hair. Others may boast about their great smile. And then you have the folks that rake in the dough as a foot model by having beautiful feet. I'm not one of those people. Those who know me have certainly heard me make a comment or two about my glorious feet. Ok, I'm blessed to have feet, not to mention the ability to actually use them. I accept that and am grateful. However, the genes don't work in my favor when it comes to these ole boats of mine. Here's a "run-down" on the history of my feet. At the age of 5 -- I already had a hard time finding shoes because my feet were so wide. At the age of 10 -- I had the feet of an old lady. My bunions were already forming and looked strikingly similar to those of my 80 year old grandmother. At the age of 15 -- I was fit with custom orthodics in my shoes. I had to endure ...