Last Long Run Before Boston

You know, life can be very strange.  Sometimes things happen and we just don't know why.  This past week has been one of reflection for me in many ways.  I have thought a lot about the wonderful gifts I have been given by God.  My husband who has been riding his bike beside me on each of my runs, my daughter who  has watched her brother for many hours so I could do my workouts and my son, who has started his training with me so he can run the 5k with me in Boston the day before the marathon.   Their love and support of me while I pursue my dreams is unbelievable.  From eating meals together and talking about our day to attending church as a family, we are always there for each other and for that I am truly grateful.

Through the sport of running, I have met so many wonderful people.  From the "Deep Freeze" runners, to the Elmhurst Running Club, to Anne, Becky, Jen and Jean, to the regulars on the path, to my running sisters in Iowa and my training coach Charlie Kern, each of you have inspired me to be patient, competitive and giving.  There probably is not a day that I am out running that I am not thinking about you guys and how you have changed my life.  For all of that and more, I thank you.


Sharing the Love

Today when I was finishing up mile 11, I came upon a man running in the opposite direction.  He was not moving very fast, but was running hard and I could see that he was pushing himself.  I cheered him on as he passed the mile marker.  Clapping my hands and yelling, "Great Job".  I think this guy thought that I was nuts.  When he stopped to catch his breath, I said to him, "Keep it up.  You're looking great."  He came over to say thanks and I asked him how far he had run.  He said, 4.5 miles.  "Wow", I exclaimed.  "Thats great".  "You should be proud of yourself".  We talked for a little while longer and he shared with me that his goal was to one day run a marathon.  My eyes lit up.  "Thats so cool, I told him".  I said, many years ago that was my dream too.  I encouraged him to stay with it and work his way up to the distance.  Little races first.  Small victories lead to major triumphs.  I suggested that he go down and watch the Chicago Marathon, and told him the spirit and energy will motivate you even more.  After a couple more minutes of conversation, I wished him luck with his running and said, that I hope to see you out here again soon.  Then we parted ways.  In this man, I saw myself.  Where he is at today is where I was 15 years ago.  I was just getting started and happy that I was able to run to the next mile marker.  I hope to see him again on the path and to have an opportunity to run with him.  Spending this moment in time with him reminded me of how blessed I am to have come so far.

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."

-Psalm 18:32-36