The Climb

In 48 hours, everything we have been working towards will begin with a starter's gun.  And the funny thing is, I have come to realize that it will not be that 26.2 miles that will define me as a person, as a runner.  It is the in between.  It is the 18 weeks leading up to this that have made me a stronger person, both physically and mentally. Sure, runnning for 4 1/2 hours (or more) proves you have physical and emotional stamina, but I believe it is the 500 plus miles leading up to it that shows your resolve.  It's the sacrifices you make to get those runs in:  missing kids events, not going out with friends because of a long run the next day, trudging through a 8 mile "mid" distance when you'd rather be curled up on the couch watching The Food Network because you ran 15 miles a few days before.

To my friends and family that have had to listen to my pre-marathon stories and complaints.  Thank you so much for all of your support and words of encouragement.  They mean more to me than you'll ever know. 

To any members of my running classes, thank you for being a part of my running dreams for our community and the YMCA.  You all tell me that I inspire you, when it is YOU that really inspires ME.  I have seen you all dig deep and accomplish things you never thought you could and that is amazing! It is most of you that I will be thinking about at mile 20... 

To Sam and Tyler, thank you for hanging out with the babysitter and in tot watch all those times mommy went out for long runs for hours at a time.  Mommy loves you both very much!

To Zach, thank you for all of your support throughout this running spurt of mine.  I know you work hard long hours and travel like a madman and sometimes put your running on the backburner for mine.  I so appreciate that more than I tell you.  You are my biggest cheerleader and even though you'll be back in Michigan (doing the most important job of watching the boys), I'll be able to hear your words of encouragement and support in my head the whole 26.2 miles.  Love you babe xoxo

To my running divas, I can remember running around Lake Geneva when we were training for the Capital City 1/2 Marathon last summer and discussing the possibility of "someday" doing a marathon together.  And now here we are. 
To Danielle-our original running coach-thank you so much for your words of wisdom when we were first embarking on this journey.  If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have ever thought I could teach at the Y and inspire others like you did for me. Can't wait to run with you on Saturday!
To Staci: Our newest Diva, I am so glad that you are in our little running group and I have gotten to know you better.  Thank you for pushing me to run harder and faster.  Your speed and grace have me in awe!  Fantastic job in Chicago on Sunday and I am so grateful to have you cheerleading for us in Baltimore.
To Peg: What would we do without Peg...the momma of the Divas.  You take such good care of our group and we love you for it! The fact that you are making the trip to Baltimore just to cheer us on shows us how much you care!  I only can hope that I look, feel and run as good as Peg does when I am a "grand master".  Peg you are a true inspiration!  You rocked Chicago and we are so proud!
To Lisa:  I am so glad to have my "marathon virgin" running Baltimore with me!  Thank you for always making me laugh during long runs, sharing stories to make the miles go by a little bit quicker.  I am so glad we stuck together in running after those cold Lake Geneva swims when training for the Tri together and have become closer friends because of it.
To Sara: What can I say girl, you are the one who got me into this whole long running gig!  If it weren't for you, I'd still be doing my 3 miles on the treadmill.  Thank you for pushing me when I didn't think I could do it and believing in me.  You have a heart of gold and I am so fortunate to have you as my long lost sister ;o)  Even though you said you'd never do it, thank you for coming to Baltimore with me to run your 2nd marathon.  Too bad it wasn't NY...maybe next year ;o)  Love you xoxoxo

I have had this song in my ipod for a while now and everytime I hear it, I can't help but think about the last few months.  (who knew Hanana Montana/Miley Cyrus could be so inspiring?)

I can almost see it.  This dream I'm dreaming.  But there's a voice inside my head says "You'll never reach it".
Every step I'm taking.  Every move I make feels lost with no direction, my faith is shaking.
But I gotta keep trying, gotta keep my head held high.
Always gonna be another mountain.  Always gonna want to make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. Ain't about how fast I get there.  Ain't about what's waiting on the other side.  It's the climb.
The struggles I'm facing, the chances I'm taking.  Sometimes might knock me down but, no I'm not breaking. I may not know it, but these are the moments I'm gonna remember most, yeah, just got to keep going.
And I, I gotta be strong.  Just keep pushing on.
Always gonna be another mountain.  Always gonna want to make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. Ain't about how fast I get there.  Ain't about what's waiting on the other side.  It's the climb.
Keep on moving.  Keep climbing.  Keep the faith, baby.
It's all about the climb.