Last night, Dad and I went to the one night viewing of "Spirit of the Marathon." We first heard about it about a month ago and I thought that it was great for it to come out not even two weeks after I would run my first marathon. It was absolutely wonderful. The way the director portrayed the emotions of a marathon and how they looked at first time marathoners experience to the experience of the elites (they highlighted Deena Kastor my personal favorite and Daniel Njenga). It was great. If you have run a marathon or are thinking about it- go. It will not only motivate you to train harder, but to experience a movie with a theater full of runners who understand and laugh at the guy that says he runs marathons for the t-shirts is great. Although it was one night only, they have added a second night on February 21. Go to marathonmovie.com to see if it is playing near you and make the effort to go- and stay after the credits for the extras. It is 2 hours you will not regret.
Happy Running!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Post-marathon run
Dad and I went out for my first post-marathon run today. I was very much looking forward to this run as I missed running this week. It was great to lace up my shoes again and step outside and be greeted by the cool, crisp mid-winter air. I figured it'd be an easy run today with a nice flat course, but apparently dad had something else in mind. I think he knew that I wanted to push it a bit and so up Hart Street we ran and did a couple more hills. We ended up doing 5.6 miles and it probably would have been more but I wanted to be done because my legs were getting tired because of the hills. I get a rest tomorrow because dad is working. I could go out running, but I want a day where I can do nothing. . . although maybe I'll decide in the morning to go for a run.
AJ and I are also heading back to the gym this week in the mornings. I plan to use this time to work on my core and gain a little upper-body muscle. My core is weak and it really affected my posture during the later miles in the marathon. I will work my abs hard and work my arms so they aren't as sore later in the runs. I will also use the days to get 5 miles in when it is too cold at night to run that far. Although I hate treadmills, miles are miles and I'll have to deal with running in place for that long. I have a lot of work to do and my training started today. The goal for the Holyoke Marathon the first weekend in May is 4 hours and 20 minutes.
In other news- 161 days until our wedding!
AJ and I are also heading back to the gym this week in the mornings. I plan to use this time to work on my core and gain a little upper-body muscle. My core is weak and it really affected my posture during the later miles in the marathon. I will work my abs hard and work my arms so they aren't as sore later in the runs. I will also use the days to get 5 miles in when it is too cold at night to run that far. Although I hate treadmills, miles are miles and I'll have to deal with running in place for that long. I have a lot of work to do and my training started today. The goal for the Holyoke Marathon the first weekend in May is 4 hours and 20 minutes.
In other news- 161 days until our wedding!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
My first 26.2
Well, I'm back at home now. We arrived here Monday night around 11:30 and things have been crazy since. The marathon is over. Disney World 2008 is now done (until our honeymoon). The results have been calculated. My legs are FINALLY recovering. And what an experience it was.
To recap the race:
I woke up at 2:50AM to shower and get ready. I took a warm shower and woke up, got dressed, applied tons of sunscreen (which was sweat off before the sun came up) and loaded my feet with bodyglide to avoid chaffing and blisters. And off we went- on the bus by 3:50AM.
We got to the EPCOT center parking lot and checked our bags and then found a nice little spot of pavement to sit. The weather was a bit warmer and muggier than I would have liked, but it is Florida and that is what you have to expect. We relaxed until about 5:00 when we decided to begin following the crowd to the corrals to await the start of the race. On the way, dad stepped in a big puddle up to his ankle so that sucked, but we got through it. We sat in the corrals until about 5:45 when it was too exciting to sit anymore. Around 5:53 the National Anthem was sung and the wheelchairs left the starting line at 5:55. Five minutes later the official start of the race commenced with tons of fireworks and cheering from the 20000 runners that had been up since the wee hours of the morning. Although it took about 5-6 minutes to get to the starting line, it was a great experience.
I crossed the starting line and we were on our way. . . 26.2 miles in front of us and it was quite muggy. I was feeling great. We entered into EPCOT center near England and took a right and ran up the little hill towards France. We went through France and into Morocco (where I happily used a real bathroom due to my porta potty performance anxiety) and then into Japan and the American Adventure. We exited in Germany I think and were in backstage EPCOT when we met up with the other runners who beganin Corrals D-G. We then passed back by the starting line which didn't even look like the start anymore and wrapped around EPCOT. As we made our way towards the Magic Kingdom I was still feeling great. The miles were passing quickly and I was happy to see mile 6 because it meant only 20 more to go- I've run that many before! We took a quick walk break through a water station so I could take something in. We continued through Ticket and Transportation where I got a boost seeing Mom, AJ, Mel and Tony. We stopped for a picture and continued on our way into the Magic Kingdom and down Main Street USA. We ran into Tomorrowland where I again decided to pee in a real bathroom. We continued into Fantasyland where we saw Alice and the Mad Hatter and then through the Castle and into Liberty Square. We continued through Frontierland and out into backstage where I was thrilled to see a pirate ship with Captain Jack Sparrow!
On we continued past the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian where we again saw mom, AJ, Mel and Tony and then down a long road which is also about where the heat and humidity began bothering me. I realized how much further we had to go and hit a wall... but continued anyway. It was about mile 15 where I heard someone say "Mr. Martin?" "Amy?" And I turned my head to see Andy G that I went to high school with! It was sooooooo awesome! That was a boost that I needed. We talked to him for a while until we hit mile 16 and took our walk break. Andy- if you read this, you have no idea how much that chat helped me!
We entered animal kingdom where it smelled like poo and a man running near us joked and said it was gorilla poo and he knows because he is a poo-ologist- quite funny. We ran through Animal Kindgom and then towards Disney Studios (formerly known as MGM Studios) and let me just tell you that it seemed like forever and they are next to each other. We had this down and out thing we had to do and I was struggling. I was in so much pain and wanted to sit just for a second because my legs hated me, but I continued. We finally got into Disney Studios where I was thrilled to be running down the main street there because that meant it was almost over. We left Disney Studios and ended up on the boardwalk near the Yacht and Beach Club and ran from there back into EPCOT center. We went in the back way and ended up exactly where we started 23 miles ago- and entered near England and up that stupid hill which was no longer small, but like a mountain. . . yes, we walked up it. Then we went over the bridge and I was so happy to see mile 25 in France. On we continued, past Morocco, Japan, American Adventure (where i wanted to punch the asshole who was there saying "RUNNERS! Look to your left where you see other runners, that is where you are going!" I'm sorry- I don't want to hear that while running. . . I know where I am going- yes I was mad at this point). On we continued past all the other countries and finally into future world towards Spaceship Earth! No more walking now! There were people cheering and we saw Tracy and Stan and then Mel and Tony! WE WERE ALMOST THERE. We left through a cast entrance and were greeted by the awesome gospel choir singing fabulous tunes, rounded a corner and there it was- the finish line.
I wanted to cry- but I had no more liquid left in me. So we approached that fabulous line where my legs moved more than I thought they could and they carried me past the finish line holding my fathers hand and there it was- I completed my first marathon.
It took me 40 minutes longer than I wanted and finished in 5 hours and 9 minutes, but I finished. They put the medal around my neck and it was the greatest feeling ever. Despite what people said I couldn't do- I DID IT!
Looking back and ahead:
My first marathon is over. I finished in the top 30% of runners and am thrilled that I could be a part of it. I now know what it takes to finish a marathon and my new resolution for the year is to run harder and improve my time drastically. Granted, the weather plays a big role and my goal times were adjusted almost immediately on race day, but I know if I trained a bit harder, I would have done better. More long runs and I am not going to give in to that temptation to walk when I am being lazy. I want a good marathon time and I expect to get it. Also- did I mention I had no ankle pain the entire time?! I'm ready for my next challenge and on Saturday, I begin training for the Holyoke marathon in May along side my dad as he trains for his second Boston Marathon in April. I will push myself to become stronger and will also do a lot of work on my core.
Other stuff:
Champion was handing out medals to runners to give to people who helped them get where they are and my dad got one on Saturday because he ran the half marathon on Saturday and he gave me his and when I got mine on Sunday, I gave it to dad. He is my champion because without him, I could not have done what I did. And I am his champion because he knows there was a time when I didn't think I'd be able to run again and I am. . . and I will continue to do this.
Thank you to everyone who helped me get here- your support is my inspiration and motivation.
I will continue to update my blog as I train for my next race.
Gotta run!
To recap the race:
I woke up at 2:50AM to shower and get ready. I took a warm shower and woke up, got dressed, applied tons of sunscreen (which was sweat off before the sun came up) and loaded my feet with bodyglide to avoid chaffing and blisters. And off we went- on the bus by 3:50AM.
We got to the EPCOT center parking lot and checked our bags and then found a nice little spot of pavement to sit. The weather was a bit warmer and muggier than I would have liked, but it is Florida and that is what you have to expect. We relaxed until about 5:00 when we decided to begin following the crowd to the corrals to await the start of the race. On the way, dad stepped in a big puddle up to his ankle so that sucked, but we got through it. We sat in the corrals until about 5:45 when it was too exciting to sit anymore. Around 5:53 the National Anthem was sung and the wheelchairs left the starting line at 5:55. Five minutes later the official start of the race commenced with tons of fireworks and cheering from the 20000 runners that had been up since the wee hours of the morning. Although it took about 5-6 minutes to get to the starting line, it was a great experience.
I crossed the starting line and we were on our way. . . 26.2 miles in front of us and it was quite muggy. I was feeling great. We entered into EPCOT center near England and took a right and ran up the little hill towards France. We went through France and into Morocco (where I happily used a real bathroom due to my porta potty performance anxiety) and then into Japan and the American Adventure. We exited in Germany I think and were in backstage EPCOT when we met up with the other runners who beganin Corrals D-G. We then passed back by the starting line which didn't even look like the start anymore and wrapped around EPCOT. As we made our way towards the Magic Kingdom I was still feeling great. The miles were passing quickly and I was happy to see mile 6 because it meant only 20 more to go- I've run that many before! We took a quick walk break through a water station so I could take something in. We continued through Ticket and Transportation where I got a boost seeing Mom, AJ, Mel and Tony. We stopped for a picture and continued on our way into the Magic Kingdom and down Main Street USA. We ran into Tomorrowland where I again decided to pee in a real bathroom. We continued into Fantasyland where we saw Alice and the Mad Hatter and then through the Castle and into Liberty Square. We continued through Frontierland and out into backstage where I was thrilled to see a pirate ship with Captain Jack Sparrow!
On we continued past the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian where we again saw mom, AJ, Mel and Tony and then down a long road which is also about where the heat and humidity began bothering me. I realized how much further we had to go and hit a wall... but continued anyway. It was about mile 15 where I heard someone say "Mr. Martin?" "Amy?" And I turned my head to see Andy G that I went to high school with! It was sooooooo awesome! That was a boost that I needed. We talked to him for a while until we hit mile 16 and took our walk break. Andy- if you read this, you have no idea how much that chat helped me!
We entered animal kingdom where it smelled like poo and a man running near us joked and said it was gorilla poo and he knows because he is a poo-ologist- quite funny. We ran through Animal Kindgom and then towards Disney Studios (formerly known as MGM Studios) and let me just tell you that it seemed like forever and they are next to each other. We had this down and out thing we had to do and I was struggling. I was in so much pain and wanted to sit just for a second because my legs hated me, but I continued. We finally got into Disney Studios where I was thrilled to be running down the main street there because that meant it was almost over. We left Disney Studios and ended up on the boardwalk near the Yacht and Beach Club and ran from there back into EPCOT center. We went in the back way and ended up exactly where we started 23 miles ago- and entered near England and up that stupid hill which was no longer small, but like a mountain. . . yes, we walked up it. Then we went over the bridge and I was so happy to see mile 25 in France. On we continued, past Morocco, Japan, American Adventure (where i wanted to punch the asshole who was there saying "RUNNERS! Look to your left where you see other runners, that is where you are going!" I'm sorry- I don't want to hear that while running. . . I know where I am going- yes I was mad at this point). On we continued past all the other countries and finally into future world towards Spaceship Earth! No more walking now! There were people cheering and we saw Tracy and Stan and then Mel and Tony! WE WERE ALMOST THERE. We left through a cast entrance and were greeted by the awesome gospel choir singing fabulous tunes, rounded a corner and there it was- the finish line.
I wanted to cry- but I had no more liquid left in me. So we approached that fabulous line where my legs moved more than I thought they could and they carried me past the finish line holding my fathers hand and there it was- I completed my first marathon.
It took me 40 minutes longer than I wanted and finished in 5 hours and 9 minutes, but I finished. They put the medal around my neck and it was the greatest feeling ever. Despite what people said I couldn't do- I DID IT!
Looking back and ahead:
My first marathon is over. I finished in the top 30% of runners and am thrilled that I could be a part of it. I now know what it takes to finish a marathon and my new resolution for the year is to run harder and improve my time drastically. Granted, the weather plays a big role and my goal times were adjusted almost immediately on race day, but I know if I trained a bit harder, I would have done better. More long runs and I am not going to give in to that temptation to walk when I am being lazy. I want a good marathon time and I expect to get it. Also- did I mention I had no ankle pain the entire time?! I'm ready for my next challenge and on Saturday, I begin training for the Holyoke marathon in May along side my dad as he trains for his second Boston Marathon in April. I will push myself to become stronger and will also do a lot of work on my core.
Other stuff:
Champion was handing out medals to runners to give to people who helped them get where they are and my dad got one on Saturday because he ran the half marathon on Saturday and he gave me his and when I got mine on Sunday, I gave it to dad. He is my champion because without him, I could not have done what I did. And I am his champion because he knows there was a time when I didn't think I'd be able to run again and I am. . . and I will continue to do this.
Thank you to everyone who helped me get here- your support is my inspiration and motivation.
I will continue to update my blog as I train for my next race.
Gotta run!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
"GOOD LUCK MISS MARTIN!"
I went to work this morning thinking it would be like any other Tuesday, except this one was before leaving for a marathon, so I was excited and looking forward to the day being over.
Well, once morning announcements were done, I knew my day would be changed. Dawn (my principal) made an announcement to the entire school, telling the students to wish me luck and congratulations when they saw me today because I would be running in the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday.
WOW! I was surprised at this announcement, but I can't tell you how much it changed my outlook.
As I was on my way to the dining room to meet my students, I got at least 3 good lucks in the hall and they kept coming all day. I happened to be by the door when the fifth graders were going out for recess and it was a procession of about 180 students saying good luck to me. These well wishes went on all day- my favorite coming from the young ones who didn't quite understand and said "Happy disney race!" At the end of the day, during bus duty, I got many more- some even coming from students yelling out open windows of the bus as it was pulling away. These well wishes left me feeling nothing short of wonderful.
Yes, I realize I have been getting these wishes for a while now, but I don't know what it is about hearing these things from kids who can barely fathom running one mile yet alone 26. The sincerity of their well wishes and how excited they were was that final boost of confidence i have been waiting for. Regardless of how much I will tell them or whether they know or understand it or not- those good lucks will carry me through the toughest parts of the race and I will never forget them.
I am ready for this race and what awaits me in those 26.2 magical miles in Disney World and I cannot wait to be one of the thousands of people running through Disney on Sunday morning.
Love and hugs to all! Until Sunday!
Well, once morning announcements were done, I knew my day would be changed. Dawn (my principal) made an announcement to the entire school, telling the students to wish me luck and congratulations when they saw me today because I would be running in the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday.
WOW! I was surprised at this announcement, but I can't tell you how much it changed my outlook.
As I was on my way to the dining room to meet my students, I got at least 3 good lucks in the hall and they kept coming all day. I happened to be by the door when the fifth graders were going out for recess and it was a procession of about 180 students saying good luck to me. These well wishes went on all day- my favorite coming from the young ones who didn't quite understand and said "Happy disney race!" At the end of the day, during bus duty, I got many more- some even coming from students yelling out open windows of the bus as it was pulling away. These well wishes left me feeling nothing short of wonderful.
Yes, I realize I have been getting these wishes for a while now, but I don't know what it is about hearing these things from kids who can barely fathom running one mile yet alone 26. The sincerity of their well wishes and how excited they were was that final boost of confidence i have been waiting for. Regardless of how much I will tell them or whether they know or understand it or not- those good lucks will carry me through the toughest parts of the race and I will never forget them.
I am ready for this race and what awaits me in those 26.2 magical miles in Disney World and I cannot wait to be one of the thousands of people running through Disney on Sunday morning.
Love and hugs to all! Until Sunday!
She told me I can't. . .
I went to my dermatologist yesterday for my 6 month check up. I told her nothing has changed as far as my skin goes, but I told her about my ankle pain when running, explaining that I'm running a marathon on Sunday and that I'm pretty sure the pain comes from the lack of skin and muscle there. Well, she began by asking me this:
"Well, if I told you not to run on Sunday would you listen to me?"
To which I replied, "absolutely not."
She replied with, "Well, run on Sunday, but I am going to say not to run any more marathons after it."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. . . and here is the perfect example. . . she told me I can't do something. . . and then continues to speak to me as if I don't know that if it starts hurting I need to take it easy. . . does she take me for some kind of idiot? It is absolutely ridiculous.
On top of that, if she was really concerned about what is causing the pain, you would think she would send me to a doctor who could fix it or help it be more comfortable, right? Well, she said she doesn't know who she would send me to and wants to see me in 6 months again- like always- and if she has to, she will look into a scleroderma specialist she can send me to that is an internist. So she wants me to take it easy, but will do nothing to figure out what is causing it and just assuming it is scleroderma related.
Well, again here I am saying what my ID band says "Don't tell me I can't" because clearly it only makes me want to do it more and better to prove them wrong.
Bottom line:
Don't tell me I can't, because I will.
We leave for Florida at 4AM tomorrow. . . wish me luck!
"Well, if I told you not to run on Sunday would you listen to me?"
To which I replied, "absolutely not."
She replied with, "Well, run on Sunday, but I am going to say not to run any more marathons after it."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. . . and here is the perfect example. . . she told me I can't do something. . . and then continues to speak to me as if I don't know that if it starts hurting I need to take it easy. . . does she take me for some kind of idiot? It is absolutely ridiculous.
On top of that, if she was really concerned about what is causing the pain, you would think she would send me to a doctor who could fix it or help it be more comfortable, right? Well, she said she doesn't know who she would send me to and wants to see me in 6 months again- like always- and if she has to, she will look into a scleroderma specialist she can send me to that is an internist. So she wants me to take it easy, but will do nothing to figure out what is causing it and just assuming it is scleroderma related.
Well, again here I am saying what my ID band says "Don't tell me I can't" because clearly it only makes me want to do it more and better to prove them wrong.
Bottom line:
Don't tell me I can't, because I will.
We leave for Florida at 4AM tomorrow. . . wish me luck!
Friday, January 4, 2008
I dedicate my miles. . .
With the marathon a mere week away, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on how I got to where I am and whenever I do this I can't help but think of all the people who have helped me get here. I have also been thinking that if I dedicate each mile of the race to someone, if I am feeling crappy, I can think about that person and not letting them down knowing that I am running "their mile." So, below you will find my mile dedications. I promise to each of you that regardless of how crappy I feel, I will think of how you helped me on my way to the marathon and run my best!
1- My parents- without them I wouldn't be able to start the race!
2- My dad- he's my coach and without him, I wouldn't be able to start.
3- AJ- because he deals with the fact that I don't sleep in on Saturday and Sunday mornings, instead I go out and run.
4- Melissa- because she's the best oldest sister I could ask for!
5- Tracy- because she's the best middle sister I could ask for
6- Grandpa- because when I crossed the finish line of my first race he was there, and he will be in my heart like he always is.
7- Dr. Goldgeier and Karen Landt- my dermatologists in Rochester, without whom I might not be walking
8- My Nazareth Family- because they supported me while I was sick and when I was running my half marathons
9- Anarion- because when I get home from a run and I am sweaty and smelly, he still wants to cuddle on my lap.
10- My principal, Dawn- for supporting me and letting me miss work to run the race.
11- Dr. Millstone- my current dermatologist for keeping me healthy!
12- The Game Night Crew- for understanding that I start falling asleep at 10 because I have to get up early and run the next day.
13- Valsicle gets the half way mark because the messages she leaves on my facebook wall as support and encouragement will help carry me past this point.
14- Dr. Bevilaqua- the doctor that said I wouldn't be walking- look at me now!
15- My Scleroderma friends in Rochester- you know every mile is for you. Your strength and encouragement got me healthy.
16- Dad (again) because I am pretty sure by now I'll be hurting and he'll be so positive and encouraging.
17- Gramma- because the strength you showed while you were sick is the strength I will need to run the next 9.
18- Grandpa- I never knew you- but this one is for you.
19- Jenn and Laura- because I love you girls!
20- Marissa- because your positive outlook on life is the positive outlook I will need to finish the next 6 miles!
21- My students- because regardless of whether they know it or not- they keep me moving and keep me young.
22- To those of you that I have never met that have read and commented on my blog- taking the time to read a complete strangers blog and leave words of inspiration and motivation is enough to keep me going as I close in on the finish line. (Remember I'm new to the blogging world I have no idea random people could read my blog! THANK YOU!)
23- To anyone who ever said I can't- I CAN! So don't tell me I can't.
24- My future in-laws- because your support and encouragement helped get me here.
25- To me- Because if I didn't have the courage to start- I wouldn't have the will to make it here.
26- To All my Friends and Family- I love you all, thank you for everything you have done to support me on my road to the marathon and while I run. I could NEVER make it to mile 26 without your support and encouragement. You are the reason I am so healthy today. I love you all dearly and I cannot thank you enough.
So there they are. . . all my dedications. I have put in all the miles (859.6 to be exact since I started training on January 14, 2007), I am mentally prepared. . . and next Sunday, I will run for each and every one of you because you all deserve it.
I will try to write one more blog before leaving for Florida, if not, I look forward to posting my times.
For those of you that are wondering- my goals are as follows: (dad says we needed to make 3)
The time I REALLY want: 4:20
The time I would be happy with: 4:40
The time I'd be ok with: 4:50
Love and hugs!
a
1- My parents- without them I wouldn't be able to start the race!
2- My dad- he's my coach and without him, I wouldn't be able to start.
3- AJ- because he deals with the fact that I don't sleep in on Saturday and Sunday mornings, instead I go out and run.
4- Melissa- because she's the best oldest sister I could ask for!
5- Tracy- because she's the best middle sister I could ask for
6- Grandpa- because when I crossed the finish line of my first race he was there, and he will be in my heart like he always is.
7- Dr. Goldgeier and Karen Landt- my dermatologists in Rochester, without whom I might not be walking
8- My Nazareth Family- because they supported me while I was sick and when I was running my half marathons
9- Anarion- because when I get home from a run and I am sweaty and smelly, he still wants to cuddle on my lap.
10- My principal, Dawn- for supporting me and letting me miss work to run the race.
11- Dr. Millstone- my current dermatologist for keeping me healthy!
12- The Game Night Crew- for understanding that I start falling asleep at 10 because I have to get up early and run the next day.
13- Valsicle gets the half way mark because the messages she leaves on my facebook wall as support and encouragement will help carry me past this point.
14- Dr. Bevilaqua- the doctor that said I wouldn't be walking- look at me now!
15- My Scleroderma friends in Rochester- you know every mile is for you. Your strength and encouragement got me healthy.
16- Dad (again) because I am pretty sure by now I'll be hurting and he'll be so positive and encouraging.
17- Gramma- because the strength you showed while you were sick is the strength I will need to run the next 9.
18- Grandpa- I never knew you- but this one is for you.
19- Jenn and Laura- because I love you girls!
20- Marissa- because your positive outlook on life is the positive outlook I will need to finish the next 6 miles!
21- My students- because regardless of whether they know it or not- they keep me moving and keep me young.
22- To those of you that I have never met that have read and commented on my blog- taking the time to read a complete strangers blog and leave words of inspiration and motivation is enough to keep me going as I close in on the finish line. (Remember I'm new to the blogging world I have no idea random people could read my blog! THANK YOU!)
23- To anyone who ever said I can't- I CAN! So don't tell me I can't.
24- My future in-laws- because your support and encouragement helped get me here.
25- To me- Because if I didn't have the courage to start- I wouldn't have the will to make it here.
26- To All my Friends and Family- I love you all, thank you for everything you have done to support me on my road to the marathon and while I run. I could NEVER make it to mile 26 without your support and encouragement. You are the reason I am so healthy today. I love you all dearly and I cannot thank you enough.
So there they are. . . all my dedications. I have put in all the miles (859.6 to be exact since I started training on January 14, 2007), I am mentally prepared. . . and next Sunday, I will run for each and every one of you because you all deserve it.
I will try to write one more blog before leaving for Florida, if not, I look forward to posting my times.
For those of you that are wondering- my goals are as follows: (dad says we needed to make 3)
The time I REALLY want: 4:20
The time I would be happy with: 4:40
The time I'd be ok with: 4:50
Love and hugs!
a
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Final Notice!
When I checked my e-mail yesterday, I was greeted with the Marathon Newsletter from Disney World that graces my mailbox with its presence every few weeks. . . but yesterdays was the one that I was both dreading and waiting to arrive entitled: "FINAL RACE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON." They even put it in all capital letters so it really sticks out in the inbox as being important. A bit overwhelming and exciting and scary all at the same time.
On our run today as we were running the last steps, I asked me dad if I could do it. . . he jokingly said "definitely not." I asked again, this time rewording my question to "do you think I'm ready for this, dad?" He said, "Aim, I KNOW you're ready." It is reassuring to know my dad has so much confidence in me and he also reassures me every day that the stress and anxiety I am feeling is normal. . . I do know I am ready for it. . . and I know I will be thrilled when I am done, but now that my FINAL NOTICE has arrived. . . it is all more real than it has been so far. . . it is going to finally happen. . . after a year of training. . . I gotta say. . . it is about time!
On our run today as we were running the last steps, I asked me dad if I could do it. . . he jokingly said "definitely not." I asked again, this time rewording my question to "do you think I'm ready for this, dad?" He said, "Aim, I KNOW you're ready." It is reassuring to know my dad has so much confidence in me and he also reassures me every day that the stress and anxiety I am feeling is normal. . . I do know I am ready for it. . . and I know I will be thrilled when I am done, but now that my FINAL NOTICE has arrived. . . it is all more real than it has been so far. . . it is going to finally happen. . . after a year of training. . . I gotta say. . . it is about time!
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