Friends

I am giving the 10 reasons that I desire to and will finish my first 26.2 during the final 10 days prior to the race. This is the 8th in the series.

The people we meet are the true rewards for our journeys. So many people have made me who I am, have helped to define my goals and my dreams. I owe so many so much for putting me in a position to compete in and finish my first 26.2 in 3 days.

Rex taught me that no matter how great the pain, no matter how horrible the suffering, it will pass; everything does (and he taught me this after he left me lying in misery with a broken leg for hours trying to convince me that no, it really wasn't broken!).

Mark S initiated my interest in multi-sport, and thus led me to this marathon, by way of a simple challenge, 6 months ago. SB introduced me to the StJude Marathon and told me of its relative flatness (thank you thank you thank you!)...

JB made me realize that my aches and pains were oh so minor compared to his metastatic cancer, and made me realize that every day has to be respected as if there are no more...

CR taught me that life and endurance racing both require pacing, and if you sprint for long enough you will burn. Every time... Always...

Tracy has taught me that sometimes I'd rather be the mare than the cowboy, especially when the cowboy is flying through the air and the mare is minus a 200 # load...

And the guy with advanced Parkinson's Disease who I see almost daily at my gym, who walks independently but at a pace so slow you think he is static, has taught me that patience is a fundamental attribute for athletes in training, and in life...

NS and CS have been absolutely invaluable helping me with the kids when I was in a pinch, in order to fit in training sessions before work, to go to the hospital all those crazy hours, and even to watch them at the race...

I owe so much... And I am so thankful to have this chance... Many others have helped me along; these are only a few.

For all of you who have helped with your wisdom, with your strength, with your time and with your love, I am running Saturday for you... Thanks for coming with me for My Daily Spin...