As most of you know, I am training to run a half marathon in Long Branch on May 6,2012.  I wanted to update you on my training.  This past Sunday, I did five miles.  I cannot describe the feeling of joy and pride that I get after finishing a training run.  It feels so good to be back out there again, the wind blowing in my hair, as I set out on a running trail.  But to add to this great feeling is the idea that I am training to help a very special young girl, Jillian, to feel encouraged.  Jillian is continuing to struggle with her disorder, but I know that she is going to win.  Just as I'm struggling with my half marathon training, her fight is an every day battle.  I know that we are both going to overcome our struggles and accomplish our goals.  Also, to date, I have raised $1,100 for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.  My goal is $1,500, so I'm almost there.  Many thanks to the friends, family, and colleagues who have so generously donated and are helping me to reach this goal!!!  To learn more, or to donate, please follow this link:  http://www.active.com/donate/ROL-NJM2012/2012EGrossm  

Be Well
~Emily

I wanted to let you all know that this spring,  I am going to be run/walking the Long Branch 1/2 Marathon, while raising money for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.  I am raising the money through an organization called Running on Love.  I am running in honor of a teenage friend of mine, Jillian, (the beautiful girl above) who struggles with a difficult eating disorder.  In addition, I am running for the 1 in 4 Americans every year who struggle with their mental health.  I want to bring awareness about mental illness to people, and hopefully help to break the stigma associated with these illnesses.  In addition, it is a known fact that people with a mental illness die on average 25 years earlier due to obesity and smoking.  I am trying to reverse this process in my own life, and encourage others to do the same!  To learn more, or to donate, please follow this link:  http://www.active.com/donate/ROL-NJM2012/2012EGrossm     Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, for your continued support, and for your generosity.