Countdown

There are only a few days left until the big race. I (we) have made it this far. After months of training and talking, on Sunday I am running a marathon. In all honesty, I have actually surprised myself taking on this challenge and being able to do it. It is a huge undertaking, especially working full time and having two little kids. Several people have asked me how or why I do it, and it hasn't been easy. I wake up early every morning and run before the sun comes up. I go to bed by 9 pm. I don't drink much anymore. I have knees that sound like Rice Krispies and an occasional weird numbing on the bottom of my right foot. I have permanent chaffing in certain areas. I have acquired many pairs of the same running shoe. I only wear a specific kind of sports bra and have multiples of my favorite running shorts. I have a playlist of my favorite, motivational tunes. I wear a water belt, eat sports gummies, and map almost every run with my iPhone. All of these things have helped me get through each run, but none of them are as important as my running buddies and my family. My wonderful husband has been very understanding of it all. He too has had to get up earlier on Saturdays to watch the kids and run some of errands I used to do. He has cooked me delicious meals. He has let me put my feet up to relax. He has put up with me being tired and sore. He has made me smile. He is awesome, and so are my girls. We have run so many miles together. We have shared our problems, dreams, injuries and sweat. We have complained, laughed, whined and bragged a bit too. Through all it all, they have been there. So on Sunday, I will be running with my buddies to meet my family at the finish line. I'll let you know how it goes.