Fundraising: So here we are 45 days away from the half marathon and a ton of generous donors have helped me SHATTER the original goal of $5,000. As I type this post, the total raised is just shy of $8,000!

Did I mention we have 45 days left?

I’ve already upped the goal twice…first to $10,000 and now $20,000. Do I think we can hit that? Absolutely. That and more.

The response from people I know and those I’ve never met has been overwhelming. So many people have been touched by Tripp and Courtney’s story and want to do something. To join the Team Tripp project and/or donate, CLICK HERE. “Joining the team” means helping raise money. Once someone joins, all the money raised goes into the same fundraising pot.

PSA: We’ve secured the domain name RunningForTripp.com. It’s easier to remember and redirects to the fundraising page. It’s the web address we use in the PSA that is now airing on WDSU.

Training: I’ve run 15.07 miles so far this week with a long run of 8 miles ahead of me this weekend. Year-to-date I’ve run 37.82 miles. Since October 29th, the day I started focusing on the half marathon, my total is 136.57 miles. My average time is 9:57 per mile.

Excellent work by my chiropractor (Dr. Dave Edwards at Source Chiropractic in Metairie) has gotten me back to running pain-free. He fixed up the strained tendon in my lower left leg that had bothered me for a couple of weeks. He’s like Mr. Miyagi.

The journey continues. I hope you’ll join me!

Tripp Roth of Ponchatoula fought a brave fight for two years and eight months. He lost his battle with EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) on Saturday, but the fight for research and a cure continues.

I’m running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Tripp’s honor, to heighten EB awareness and to raise money for DebRA of America – the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association. DebRA will also donate a portion of the money raised to Tripp’s mom, Courtney.

The race is 50 days away (March 4) and that’s a ton of time to raise more money! With the help of many generous donors, I’ve already raised $2,215 in 13 days. 13 days! When the total reaches $2,500, Massage Envy will match that amount to put us at the goal of $5,000. You know what happens then? I’ll raise the goal to $10,000 and we’ll keep going.

Here’s my plea to businesses: Step up and help out! This is a chance to make a difference by shining a bright light on a terrible disease that most people have never heard of. Do a match — $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 — anything. I’ll put your logo on the back of the “Team Tripp” shirts that’ll be made for race day, one of which I’ll wear in the race. And you’ll  already have a nice tax-deductible donation on the books for 2012.

Please visit my fundraising page HERE and read about EB and Tripp’s story. What he has been through in less than three years will make your heart hurt.