Sunday was one of those rare days during which you realize you’re part of something special, something much bigger than you. On this day, less than two months after his death, Tripp Roth spoke loudly and many of the more than 22,000 runners in the Rock n Roll New Orleans Marathon & Half Marathon took notice.

Tripp died after battling a rare skin disease since birth. 67 days ago, I set out to raise money to increase EB awareness, help families with children who suffer from EB and fund research. My initial goal was $5,000 and we reached that within days. Today the fundraising total sits at $42,176 and counting. More than 500 people have contributed, including an anonymous $10,000 donation.

The day was perfect for running. Low humidity, comfortable temps, a slight breeze and spectacular sunshine. Bright red “Team Tripp” shirts dotted the race course and people yelled their support from the sidewalks. As inspirational as Tripp was during his 2 year, 8 month fight against EB, today’s experience built on that foundation.

“Go Team Tripp,” they would say. Or “Team Tripp in the house!” It was moving.

Amazingly, I felt the best I ever have running during that 13.1 miles. My last mile was my fastest. Call it adrenaline, good luck, nervous energy or whatever. But I think Tripp was with us all on Sunday.

After the race, my family and I got together with Tripp’s family — his mom, grandmother, grandfather and others — everyone in their “Team Tripp” shirts. There was even a tent bearing his name. The culmination of the past 67 days happened right there after the race. Everyone shared in the moment, talked about a brave little boy gone far too soon and the money he helped raise.

$42,000. And there will be more.

I’ll never forget Sunday, March 4, 2012. I’m a better person coming out the other side of this. I’ve learned a lot. I am eternally thankful to Tripp’s family for allowing me shine a big, bright light on their precious angel and the terrible disease he fought so bravely.

Since the day Tripp was born he knew nothing but pain. But that didn’t get in the way on Sunday. Tripp brought joy, some tears and a feeling of triumph — a sucker punch to EB and a step closer to a cure.

To everyone who donated: I can never thank you enough. You’ve helped make a difference.

I’m writing this on the run, but wanted to quickly give an update.

The total raised for my half marathon run in memory of Tripp Roth is now more than $25,000. I also just got a commitment for another $1,000 that I’ll add to the total later today.

As far as training goes, I’m ready. A couple of short runs this week, then race day on Sunday. Can’t wait!

To donate, visit RunningForTripp.com.

The Rock n Roll Half Marathon is 26 days away and we’re knocking on the door of hitting our fundraising goal of $20,000. I know I’ve said this before, but the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. I can’t thank all the donors enough.

Here’s a breakdown of donations (as of 2/8 at 12:45 a.m.):
- Online: $14,709
- Checks/Cash: $860
- Massage Envy: $2,500
- The Lemoine Company: $500
- Allstate Insurance: $500
TOTAL: $19,069…or $931 from the goal.

Let’s get to $20,000 and beyond. Visit RunningForTripp.com to donate securely online. Donations can also be mailed. Checks should be made payable to “Debra of America.” I have the organization’s tax ID number for anyone who may need it.

Mail to:
WDSU TV
“Team Tripp”
c/o Scott Walker
846 Howard Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70113

Now to the training. Things are going well and I continue to run relatively pain-free. My weekend “long runs” the past three weeks have been 8, 10 and 11 miles. This Saturday I’ll top out at 12 before tapering off in the final few weeks before the race. I’ll run 6 miles on Wednesday, 4 miles on Thursday then take Friday off before the big run on Saturday. I’m up to 92 miles year-to-date.

A special thanks to Massage Envy (Brian Grenrood), Simply Fit (Hudson Ellis) and my chiropractor (Dr. Dave Edwards) for helping me keep my body functional for the past 6+ weeks of training.

If you haven’t seen it already, take a look at the Team Tripp PSA that has already been viewed nearly 3,000 times. Look for it on WDSU.

We’re now 57 days from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon.

I ran 5.5 miles Sunday for my “long” run of the week. I’m battling through some major soreness in my lower left leg right now, but it should be fine in a few days. Hopefully.

The fundraising total has reached $1,680 in just one week! Thanks to the many donors for their tremendous generosity. The goal is $5,000 and we’re 34 percent there!

My running stats:
-  5.50 miles today
- 15.5 miles this week
-  17.71 miles YTD
-  114.48 miles since October 29th
-  9.57 per mile average

CLICK HERE to see why I’m running and please donate if you can. It’s simple, fast and totally secure.