This week's running schedule was a fall back week, meaning my longest run was 10 miles, down from 13 the previous week. I decided I needed a new route for my run, and remembered my stepdad telling me I should run up a road nearby my house. I have no idea why he would tell me to take that route....it has to be the hilliest route in my area. As I started up the long incline, I thought "UG! WHY WOULD HE TELL ME TO DO THIS! He doesn't even run." More importantly, why did I listen to him? I swear to you, the entire first half of the run was uphill! Once I stopped fretting about the hill and looked up, I realized why he told me to run that route. The landscape was incredible. Every mile or so, the trees would break and I would see an immaculate sunrise over an empty field. It was so breathtaking, I no longer cared about the hills or how fast I was going, I just soaked up the calmness of my surroundings and the serenity in the run. I felt so blessed to have my stepdad as part of my life. I always feel grateful for him, but I had the opportunity in that moment to relish in the memory of how supportive he has ALWAYS been. He was the one who bought my first pair of running shoes.
I will admit that I cannot think while I run. My boss says she does her best thinking when running. I am totally envious of that trait. I try, but it is usually gobbled up by my own insistence on silence. So I have what I call half thoughts. The kind that start and then trail off into nothingness. My half thought during Sunday's run was about all the people in my life who have really been there for me. We already know that I have Angels looking out for me who are no longer on Earth with us, but it wasn't until then that I realized I also had Angels on Earth.
It makes me feel so special to know I have this little team surrounding me. It's not just anyone, but those people you know who possess character traits that seem impossible. We all know someone like that. Just totally Selfless and Caring, Supportive and Unconditional.
My best friend, my cheer captain, has always pushed me to do my best, reeled me back in when I went to far, runs with me (even though I am a good 3 minutes per mile slower than she is), and puts up with my endless chatter about this marathon. She inspired me to run and accompanied me on my first 5k and 10k and 10 miler. I am in absolute awe of her.
I have another friend who lets me see how she sees me. Don't understand? Well, I have a tendency to be quite insecure, or to downplay what I am doing. She is relentless in her task of keeping me positive and ending my negative self talk and self doubt. She even gets angry with me when I say "I can't" or feel like I am not good enough. That there is a true friend.
My hub of course is a huge source of support. He is the person who is staying with my little angels while I run, the person who is always there when I finish, and no matter how long my run is-I am greeted with "wow! I cannot believe you just ran _______ miles". It is my HUB who has to deal with my aches, pains and complaining, my "look at me" moments, my exhaustion. He really bears the brunt of my training, and guess what? He still loves me.
Anyone reading this blog is supporting me, and I appreciate the people who have told me that they are following along (thanks J). It's a nice reminder of why I decided to write in the first place.
There are so many people who have been supportive of me. If I tried to thank everyone-this blog would be far too long. I consider them all Angels. From my best friend's mom for sharing my posts and letting me "borrow" her Angels; my running mentor/coach/supporter UltraMarathon runner who inspires me, helps me with alllllll my questions and uses her words to keep me running when I think I want to quit; my Momma In Law who asks me about EVERY run, makes sure I have everything I need, and no doubt prays for my safety every morning; and of course, my Mom, who always tells me she is proud of me.
****Don't Forget, I am running this Marathon with Team Lung Love for Lung Cancer Alliance to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Lung Cancer. No donation is too small. Please consider donating to the cause by clicking here.****
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