Introduction.

Welcome! I'm Kerri and I'm a twenty something born and raised outside of Boston, MA. I have been a Crohn's Disease patient for 10 years now, an Ulcerative Colitis patient for 7 years now, and a runner for just under a year. In the beginning of 2010 I decided to change my life - I was going to quit smoking and run a half marathon. I joined Team Challenge - a fundraising and training program with the CCFA and accomplished both of my goals, and many more I never even knew I had. I raised over $2,400 for the CCFA; was part of a team that becomes more like a family each day; ran up and down Chickatawbut Road in the Blue Hills to complete my first half marathon in 2 hours and 28 minutes; and developed a new addiction - running. Unfortunatley, when TC New England laced up to hit the Las Vegas strip I was still healing from a flare that occured after the half marathon in June, and had to sit the winter season out. But starting this January, I will be hitting the pavement again with a whole new (and some old) group of teammates as we again raise money and complete a half marathon for all those who suffer.

So I know the question on everyone's mind is - why this blog? Well first off, this blog is for me. To hold me accountable for my training, proper nutrition and hydration (important for a runner- VERY important for an IBD patient), keep me motivated. Secondly, its for all those who donate to my cause. For everyone to see that I'm working my hardest and taking this seriously.

Third(ly?), for all those IBD patients out there who can't run. For those who struggle day to day, to make it to work, or school, or even out of the hospital. I want to bring attention to these diseases. They may be embaressing, but I am in no way embarrased to say "I'm and IBD patient, and I want to find a cure." And my final reason, to find a cure. To get the word out there about these diseases and hopefully raise some money for a great cause.