In the past, my friend Julie proudly told anyone who'd listen that she only ran when chased. But last September she began training to (willingly) run a marathon.

Julie worked toward her goal with the help of Team in Training in order to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma research. She also ran with the goal of honoring her mother, Phyllis, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004.

Two weeks ago, Julie successfully completed her marathon in Phoenix, four and a half months after beginning her training.

Congratulations, Julie! Your hard work and determination are inspirational!

You overcame your slothfulness and man's natural desire to lay on the couch and eat cheetos by running for a goal larger than yourself, and more important than fleshly desires.