Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Marathon Recap Part 2

So as the full marathoners started our jog across the lake I looked to Heaven and said out loud "okay, Mom you and I for the next 2 miles." I needed her memory and strength to get me across this bridge, the same bridge that she had dominated so many times, so many years ago during Danskin., (tears starting as typing). She was the one who gave Katie and I the ability to see what was possible for women, to push beyond our comfort zone and to find the possible in impossible. So as the wind blew at my face, hard on the bridge, I got to the end and turned around and headed for the tunnel with full confidence that she was watching.
I saw Mel (tall mom) on the bridge, and called out "You go Tall Mom!" She looked right at me and smiled and yelled! I loved it! Thanks Mel for the boost. Got into the tunnel and realized how loud the music was. I couldn't hear my own earphones over the booming music. But as I got closer I realized it was a DJ, not a band, which was a nice change. He was smiling and going crazy! It made me smile, too.
I took a water at the end of the bride and looked up. What did I see but the 13 mile sign. We were half way, and although my stomach was still giving me problems I felt as though my stride was strong. I checked my watch and realized I had run a really slow half, at 2 hours 10 minutes. I haven't run that slow in over a year, but I tried not to let it bug me. I was in this for the long haul, plus I wouldn't have given up for the world stopping to see my support crew and giving all of the American Flag guys a high five. No way, jose, I was going to get the full experience.

As we came off I-90 I knew I would see AA and the crew soon. I kept my eyes alert and sure enough that crimson stuck out in Seattle, as it always does. I veered right to take a GU and water, recharge time! I saw Nathan and Jerry as well, my in-laws! They had come from Mt. Vernon, made signs and everything. I thought to myself, where is Linda Lou (my mother in law)? But sure enough after GU I heard someone yelling my name and there was Linda to greet me for a sweaty sweaty hug. How sweet to have people who love you, rooting you on.


The marathoners and halfers split again, and I knew that the few of us that had decided to do the whole thing were on our own now. I remembered someone once said, you might be alone but you are not by yourself. I prayed again, like I had so many times that day, to keep me strong, to give me His strength and power. You I said out loud, "let's go to work". After another tunnel I knew what was coming. The same road AA and I take to church every Sunday, that we really didn't notice was so uphill, was uphill and waiting for us. It was the first time when I decided I needed to give my stomach and back a break. I walked just for a little but and then ran again. I continued with that for the rest of the way, walking just short little bit, and running far. I thought that I might have taken too much water so I skipped a couple of water stations, to see if that would make me feel better, but it didn't. I realize now I could have run more, but I was so scared I wasn't going to cross the finish strong (Next post..what I learned!).

Finally the top of the hill came and the bridge was upon us, and what did I see at the bottom but crimson jackets! YAY! There they were, as the four of them have always been, there. I needed them, but I didn't know what I needed other then just to see them. As I turned the corner and heard their cheers I looked straight at all four of them as said "this is a really long way." I must have looked horrible because I came to find out that that made Katie cry. Oh she was worried about me! Love her! AA ran with me for a 100 yards or so giving me words of encouragement and all I could say back was..."don't worry about missing me at the finish, I am going so slow, there is no way!" I was sad I couldn't go faster but there was nothing I could do. I was angry to because my legs felt strong, it was just my middle that was killing.

Back up the hill, back down the hill, which by the way doesn't feel good when you are 19 miles in. Back through the tunnel and on top of 99. I could see Qwest, but knew we had to go past quest 1.5 miles and back. When we got to mile 23 you could hear the finish and see the people sprinting the last 100 yards. It hurt, knowing (tears) that I was so close, but so much more work to do. There was a pack of about 6 of us that kept trading for the lead. One would slow and one of us our speed up, ect. This happened all the way until mile 25.5. When I made the turn I knew it was the home stretch, 1.5 miles left, that was it. I saw Jill on the way back and started to cry. I wanted a friend and she was the only one I "knew" out there. I pointed to Qwest for both of us to know we were almost part of the marathon club. For a mile I ran behind a guy with a shirt that read "Phil 4:13" WOW! Thank you Jesus! You are good!

As I got to mile 25.5 and started to make the turn down the on ramp I wanted to sprint and I started to, but oh no. My back screamed at me to stop, so I slowed and smiled at the couple next to me. We all knew were were almost there.

The minute we came off the on ramp there were a bazillion people. I made sure I kept my eyes open to look for crimson. I ran faster, the Lord granting me strength for the last .2 miles. I turned the corner and saw the finish. There it was, the one dumb line I had been chasing for 5 months. One line, that for a lot of my life I never thought I would reach. Something that was impossible, the Lord gave me the ability to make possible. I heard extra screaming and looked to the right, and there they were. The people who had also helped me make this possible, inspired me and told me from the very beginning I could do it. I looked at them and wanted to cry, and I think I was, just no tears were coming. Weird, huh?

I kept running, with my eye on the prize. As I approached the line I raised my arms and stepped across the finish line. (tears now...). I thanked the Lord, clicked my watch and smiled. There it was, finished. I couldn't believe it. I think it has taken me until today or so to actually make it a real thing in my brain.

I bent over, because I was so sick of standing up. I don't think the medical people at the finish liked to see the Jolly Green Giant bend in a half, as they rushed over and asked if I was okay. I was better then okay, but I didn't have the energy to say it so I just smiled and nodded. I made my way through the food, only grabbing oranges to stuff my face with. I saw my aunt Patty and Grandma who had come over on the ferry to see me. They are great!

I thought once I saw AA and everyone I would bawl, but I didn't. I just smiled and laughed and chatted it up. I was energetic, almost giddy. It was so weird for me and everyone else, them asking a lot "are you sure your okay?"
I was more then okay! I had just finished a marathon! Something that 99.7% of people think is impossible and don't try. I was in shock. And happy. And knew this would not be my last. This marathon cemented, that the Lord willing, was going to be a lifelong adventure. Marathon running...who knew!? :)



Here I come off the on ramp...finish here I come!

In the chutes!



There I am...finishing my first marathon!!

Tomorrow....post marathon thoughts and lessons learned!







Monday, June 28, 2010

Marathon Recap Part 1

Wow! I still am not sure I have wrapped my head around what really just happened? I keep saying that to everyone who keeps asking how it went. I feel as though it hasn't quite set in. I have done so many races and half marathons, that to know this one was different hasn't quite hit. I think parts of it have hit but not all of it. I can't wait to see how God reveals Himself through the rest of this "first marathon" process. But let's start this recap and see where it leads us, shall we?

The week before I was a nervous wreak. I wasn't blogging because I didn't know what to say and I was trying to keep my mind off of it. I was very productive either, work was harder then normal it seemed like, making dinner and keeping the house clean was difficult, I just couldn't get my mind off of 26.2 miles. I went to the expo during my lunch break at work, which I was a little sad about because I had to go through it so fast. I have been to a lot of expos but this was BY FAR my favorite. Walking in on a red carpet, music blaring, friendly volunteers, it was all great. I found my race number, got my gear bag and shirt and headed out to start shopping! About a quarter of the way through I realized I should have called my aunt Laura, she was doing the half, and had to have been there too. I called and her and sure enough she was just picking up her bib. We met up, chatted for a while and then I was off again. I found so many great things I wanted, but I used restraint! :) I did get all of their cards though so I could shop online! At the end of the expo I was on my last row and I was wondering if Jock and Jill was there and sure enough I looked up and there was Chet! He gave me a hug and offered great encouragement, along with what I have been hearing all week, "are you crazy?"
The day before the marathon was work as usual, then my sister came into town! She had come from Pullman to see me race. So sweet! I had a different dinner, of chicken, baked potato and asparagus. I usually run the best when I have sushi the night before (I know weird right?) but our favorite sushi place is closed for re-model so I figured I should just eat plain food. Went to bed so early and slept okay.

Alarm went off at 5:20am. That is the benefit of living so close, plus AA knew back roads so after breakfast we got on the road and were there in 15 minutes! AA and Katie were able to park and walk with me to the start which was amazing. I was so nervous I was going to be all by myself and have a panic attack. AA found me the shortest porta potti line (true love :) ) and hung with me before I started to go to my corral. AA prayed for me, and I knew at that point it was me and Jesus.

As I started to walk to my corral I heard a bunch of girls laughing. I turned around and shu dang who was it but the bloggy meet up I heard about, with a ton of bloggy women including Mel with Tall Mom on the Run and Jill with Running 2 Sanity, both I follow. I didn't really feel cool enough to be able to be in the picture with those awesome women so I just smiled and kept walking. I got into my corral and met a nice girl who was running the half. Before I knew it I heard Tina screaming my name! Tina is Laura's friend who has done Danskin Tri with us. Sure enough Laura made her way into my corral to give me a hug and wish me luck. It was so nice and made me feel a lot calmer. Met two more guys who were with Team in Training from San Jose! They were so funny and had just run Rock n Roll San Diego three weeks before! How awesome!
Well after 18 corrals, our corral was at the start line. I couldn't believe it. And as the horn went off and we were off I almost started to cry, but I was smiling too much! This was going to be my victory lap no matter how much it hurt. So we were off and I smiled as we went through this GIANT blow up thing that was over the road, a guy rocking out! Then all of a sudden I looked up and who did I see? Jill from the blog I follow! She doesn't know me but I have been reading her posts about running and Jesus. She was running with a friend but I yelled out "Jill I read your blog and love it!" She laughed and yelled back "Thanks! How are you?" She was so nice! I ended up seeing her a lot throughout the race which was really nice actually. We would smile and cheer each other on. Not right after I saw Jill I looked to the side of the street and saw Suzie from the Biggest Loser!!! I have seen her and her husband Matt at the mall before so it wasn't to big of shock but it still made me happy, (Matt won the Biggest Loser and him and Suzie married after they met on the show. They now live in the Seattle area and he does a lot of races).
As we approached mile 3.5 I spotted Katie and AA in the crimson...GO COUGS...I cut people off left and right to be able to say hi to them, sorry people! I told them I saw Suzie and other runners around me laughed. We kept going and as we came down onto Lake Washington Blvd and there were so many people on the side of the road with American flags! There were people in army fatigue and motorcycle guys and gals! It was a great support.
Around mile 7 I knew I needed a GU, good thing there was a GU stop coming up. I downed a GU and water and started to look for AA and Katie. They were up ahead with Meg and Chris!! Yea! I love my support crew! It was time to change and get out of long sleeve.






Once I got the shirt off I knew I had to get to work. This was the same run/bike course as the Danskin Tri so I knew we had a lot of flat to go, until i-90. Once I climbed the hill up to i-90 the half marathoners and marathoners split. I prayed and asked Jesus to give me His strength and power. I then heard a husband scream at his wife "to get going, go get em, you're going to kill this, I will meet you at the finish, you are my hero!" Oh I almost could have just died right then. The wife was going onto the full and he wanted to make sure she knew she was strong. So SWEET! The wind was tough on the bridge and that is when I started to think that I was in for the long haul. ...
That is all for now...more miles to come....


Sunday, June 27, 2010

We rocked and rolled!

Full race report to come soon but I can say this for now :

1. God is good!

2. My official chip time: 4 hours 50 minutes 2 seconds. Not as fast as I wished but now I have something to beat!

3. Yup, this will not be my last marathon

4. Rock n Roll was so well done!

5. I love you, Support Crew. You are AMAZING!

6. I loved meeting new "friends" on the course. They really did help me, when I saw them.

More to come....time to hang out with AA and rest!

PS...had an intramural kick ball game today...SO FUN!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A little love from Texas

A dear friend lives in Dallas, Texas. She ran the Honolulu marathon last December. She is a real runner. She sent me this email today:

"Shelbs,

Three days to go until one of the best days of your life (you won’t think it is as you run, but it will be once you finish!). I am sending you my love and support from Dallas as you get ready to run your marathon. I have no doubt you will do great especially because you have been so diligent with your training! When you cross the finish line on Saturday, you will feel more proud of yourself than you ever have before and all that time, effort, and tears will be worth it.

I cannot wait to hear all about it and wish I could be there in person to cheer you on. Instead, a little cheer for you via email:

Go Shelby Go! Go Shelby Go!
Run really fast, have a blast!
Go Shelby Go!

Enjoy the experience. Rob and I are rooting for you!

Katie"

Guess what I did...cried....not surprising. I think I am going to write that little cheer down on my arm so I don't forget it. :)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The unknown

Just to keep you updated....last night when AA got home we were having dinner and he asked if I wanted to drive the race route after dinner. I knew that I had to do it sooner then later and figured if I were going to do it and I wanted to do it with him. I asked him how he was going to know where to go...he ran to his brief case and pulled out a larger then life map he printed out as well as instructions, what roads were going to be closed and where medical, GU, water and porta potties were going to be. I love that man. So as we piled into the car he asked why I had been so quiet all night? Me of course, having WAY to much pride told him I wasn't being too quiet. Ha! Him and I both knew that it was a lie. As we pulled off the freeway and drove towards where the start line would be, he told me that right over there is where I would start. I didn't say anything back and as he looked over he knew why. I was in hysterical crying mode. I mean the ugly cry people. He asked what I was crying over and I shot it straight...that I was scared out of my mind.

And as soon as it came out I knew what was coming next..."what are you scared for?" I guess I don't know what I am scared for....well yes I do...the unknown. Welcome to my life. I am more scared of the unknown then anyone I know. I am not one of those people that just jump two feet into things without knowing every little detail. And yes I do know this is extremely annoying for everyone around me, I am sorry. 26.2 miles is unknown, Tukwilla to Seattle to north Seattle and back...running...is unknown.

If I have ever needed God more it is when satan has tried to paralyze me with fear because of the unknown. It is a constant battle I have. And I do know that it is more a spiritual battle then anything else. I must rely on God for all things unknown, because He already knows. How simple that is to say, and how hard that is to live. Every morning I have been asking God to take away my anxiety and fill my with joy. I need to make sure I am doing this more then just the week before my first marathon.

Again, yet another great lesson I have learned on this journey to a finish line...

Monday, June 21, 2010

Am I already talking about my next....

Come with me! Let's just hope it is a little warmer!

My Jamaican Sprinter

I have been trying for a while to sit down and write a post about my Jamaican sprinter, AKA: AA, AKA: my husband. To tell everyone how amazing he is and without him I wouldn't be able to do this victory lap on Saturday. I have sat down before, started typing and realized that what I was saying was not doing it justice. The love and thankfulness I feel for him through this process was not coming out in the words that my heart felt. And again today I have sat down to try to write this post that I have been trying to write for five months now and again my words that I will say are in no comparison to how I actually feel. But I could not start this marathon week without expressing how grateful I am for him.

You see, this commitment of running was not only placed on me, but my beloved husband. I would not be the only one who felt the pain of sore muscles or had to put the time commitment every weekend morning. You see, I should have asked AA if it was okay if I ran this marathon because he made just as big of commitment as I did. Without fail he has been there to rub my back, get me water, listen to me complain, run with me at the end of runs, help me in the shower, look at gross things growing on my feet and tell me how much he loves me, even when I was at my lowest points.

When the thought of doing a full marathon came about I had full intentions of running it with KB. But as God had already planned out, one was going to Africa to help women with disabilities, one was going to Lake Tahoe to help college students learn how to grow in their faith, one is at new staff training (she doesn't run anyway...so that doesn't really count :) ), and the last one has been blessed with a baby girl growing inside of her. :) Don't I look like the slacker?! So as I stood alone at the start of training I contemplated not doing it. I didn't know how to run by myself. But it was AA that pushed me and said that I could do this and he would help. And he did.
I remembered when I ran 10 miles one morning. He met me at mile 7 and ran with me. Towards the end I started to panic and told him I could barely run 10 miles, how was I going to run 26.2? He just looked at me, straight in the eye and said that at some point that 10 miles was going to feel like a warm up. At the time, I was mad at him for saying that! He didn't know! But you know what? He did know, and although 10 miles is still hard, it does feel like an extended warm up. He was there when I "quit" running one very very cold Sunday morning. And he was there when I started back up then next day. He was there to catch me after 20 miles and sprint over to Starbucks to get me a frap. He has been there everyday, without fail.

So, Jamaican sprinter if you are reading this, know that I love you more then any of these words could express and that without you, Saturday would not be possible.

Lord Jesus You are good. Thank you so much for AA. Thank You for showing me what love looks like in marriage and for continually pushing me to love him like You love all of us. Lord I do not deserve all of the blessing you have given me, especially AA. Lord I love You.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

It begins...I mean ends...I mean begins...

Marathon week is here. People...this is THE week I have been waiting for, training for, eating for (hehehe), praying for, for the last year. I can clearly remember Meg saying we should do the Rock n Roll a little less then a year ago. And now we are here. The plans is to eat well, sleep lots and get a good couple of short runs in. Holy Guacamole...here we gooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Thank you...

Throughout this journey there have been people that have stuck out in my mind, who without them I wouldn't be able to even think about doing this marathon. And there are also people who constantly run through my head during my runs who inspire me and keep me motivated. If you are reading this you might just be one of them, Yenster, Oliver, Meg, Mom, Chris, Rat, Pig, Katie, AA, Jesus, Molly Hightower, Jordan, Dick/Rick Hoyt, Linda, and the list goes on and on.

There is one person who has been with me from the every beginning of this crazy ride called life, my dad. You see when I was born, dad was already on the climb to become one of the most successful basketball coaches on the west coast and now one of the most well known principals in the state. People say I look like him, I don't see it, but everyone else does. When I was little I can clearly remember many times when my mom, Katie and I would be walking through the mall, the store or riding our bikes and someone would stop me dead in my tracks and ask if I was Mike Albrecht's daughter. I would say yes with pride. Often he would ask if we wanted to come with him to different events and almost without hesitation I would say yes. I loved being associated with him. He taught us people skills and how to handle ourselves in public. He taught us to respect the people who were older then us and how to have a good sense of humor, us being the butt of many of his jokes. He taught us how to be great public speakers and how to command a room.

But one of the greatest lessons dad taught us happened every night when he tucked us into bed. Dad would come in, no matter how late he would get home from coaching and say a good night prayer, always the same. Then he would say the same two things every night...EVERY NIGHT! First we would tell us that is he lined up every little kid in the world, which two would he pick? Katie and I. There were no doubts. Even when we were bad or had gotten in trouble that day we knew he would always pick us. He taught us that parents really truly do love their kids.

The second thing he would say was something that I have taken with me everyday and now with training for this marathon I have relied on this phrase almost every run. He would say "if you work hard and try your best you will be successful." But he would leave out "work hard" and "try your best" and expect us to fill that in. Every night he drilled that into us. That is pretty powerful to think about now that I am older. That someone who loved us so much wanted us to know that he believed in us and that we could believe in ourselves. Not working hard was unacceptable and so was not trying your best.

So next Saturday when I stand on that start line of my first full marathon I will say that mantra in my head over and over again and thank Jesus that He gave me such an amazing dad. Thanks dad for giving me confidence, respect, the power of "Wonderwoman braclets" and most importantly the knowledge that I have a dad who loves me.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wow!

Where do I start? These last two weeks I feel like I have been running around like my head was cut off. Between work, life and well running I haven't quite had the ability to stop and think about my 20 mile run I did on Saturday. Until today, I was thinking that that 20 mile run was just another thing that was on my to-do list. Do it and get it done, then move onto the next thing. But today, I actually sat down and thought, wow, I ran fro 3 hours and 10 minutes and didn't stop.

The day started at 7am with my alarm clock blaring. I actually had gotten a great night sleep, which is rare when I have a new, higher mileage planned the next day. I quietly got out of bed, trying not to wake up AA. I got dressed, made a light breakfast and sat and watched the news. At 7:30 I was off. To tell you the truth I purposely did not make a conscience thought that I was actually going to be running 20 miles. All I knew is I wanted to be done in 3 hours and 15 minutes. The first 7 miles were great. I was feeling amazing and I saw AA to take a GU and water. I took off for another 4 miles and looped back around to our apartment, where I got another sip of water. I was having some stomach issues but I knew it would go away. My prayer was answered within a mile and I was feeling fine. I knew I would see AA around mile 14 for another GU and water stop.

It was amazing weather. I was in a tank and shorts and there was so many runners out, I didn't feel so alone. I made the turn at Alki and spotted AA across the street from Spuds. I GU'd and watered up and told him I would need water again in 2 miles. After my water and GU I passed a man with a fuel belt and a marathon finisher's tshirt on. He was a real runner, but you could tell he was struggling. I told him he looked strong. He answered back something about not feeling so strong. I smiled and lifted a prayer for him. He needed it. As I ran on Alki I could feel my body starting to break down. Between then and the end, countless prayers were lifted to the Heavens. God was so good. I knew He was right there with me. I never felt alone, and even in my most painful moments I knew He was pushing me to keep going. I saw AA at 16 and begged him to meet me at 18. I told him I had nothing left. I was serious, nothing. There was a empty feeling in my core. He assured me I was almost done. Ugh, he was right. I begged again for him to be at 18. He agreed, I truly do have the best husband. At around mile 17.75 I thought I had passed where AA was supposed to be. I started to cry and panic. I looked up long enough, through my tears to realize I got the two piers confused. He was going to be right up there in a little bit. I found him, just where I left him. Thank you Jesus for water and AA. I was really struggling now, my back and knees were shot. I wanted to cry but that would have taken way to much energy. AA saw it too. He told me he would be at 19 and then at 20.

Mile 19 came around, I needed AA and water. But he was no where. And then my i-pod died. I started to panic again. I was about to pass out, I needed water and Beyonce :). Every step I begged God to give me energy, power and strength. In hind sight, He did give me that power, strength and energy, but at the time I could not feel it. Finally AA came out of no where. I took my last drink of water and headed for the last mile. I looked at my watch at mile 19.60 and realized I had less then half a mile. Oh my gosh, I was going to do this. Thank you Jesus. Finally at mile 20 I pushed end on my watch looked at AA and started to bawl. I felt bad because there was a family of four standing right next to us with two really young kids. They probably thought I was a lunatic who had just run a couple of miles and now was crying like a baby. My feet hurt so bad and the only words I could get out were, "shoes, my shoes." AA bent down to undo my laces. I wanted to take off my shoes, but realized that wasn't the smartest idea. I cried and kept crying, while AA asked what I needed. I didn't know what I needed. I looked up and what did I see? The holy grail of STARBS! "I need a frap, please get me a frap." AA smiled, handed me his sweatshirt and helped me cross the street. Sitting was not good, standing was not good, so I just paced back in forth in Strabs until AA got my drink. He looked at me at one point, and asked if I felt weak. I said yes, even though that wasn't the truth. Sure my body felt horrible but I felt strong. Stronger then I ever had before.

It is true what it says in the Bible, God will deliver you out of your pain and agony. You will get to the finish line of the race and He will be there to catch you. God is so good. And with the full marathon only a week and a half away I can't help but thank Him for everything He has taught me through this experience. I feel strong and ready, and even if I am not, I know God will deliver me. Oh how I love God.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

This morning...

I ran 20 miles. Then I cried. Enough said.

PS...I will have a better run recap later, when I can actully think. Peace out! :)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The little voice

If you are a runner or even just a breathing person you know all of the voices that can enter our head. "You aren't thin enough, or smart enough". "You don't run as fast as him, my muscles hurt too much". Or even worst, "you aren't Christian enough or you don't shine light". Oh boy, when that voice enters your head, hit your knees and pray.

There are so many voices in our everyday life. Some loud, some quiet. Some that sting for a long time, some that just come and go. When I run, every single time, the voices shout so loud to stop, to quit, that I am not strong enough. It is exhausting. At times, the physical part of running is the easy part. But there is always one voice trying to scream at me the truth. "Keep going, you are strong, you are doing amazing, only a little bit longer". The key to being successful at running is being able to find that one voice among all the other ones screaming at me lies. And with 18 days left until the marathon the lies are coming at full force.

The parallel to this and to my relationship with Christ is uncanny. The number of lies that are told from the world and satan are numerous and with little time between them. But there is always the one voice of Christ shining through all of the dark ones. Christ is the light and the voice that we need to find and follow. At times, the voice is faint and hard to hear, however it is there. The one voice that will lead us to the light and a finishline.

Thank you Christ for being our shining light, our one hope and friend. Jesus You are Lord. I praise You for everything You are to me and to this world. Lord help me be a better person for Your kingdom. I love you!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

PEOPLE!!!!!!!

Okay people let's get serious!

I just got my confirmation email from Rock n' Roll!!!!!! I am number 19,077. Yup you read that right! I am in the 19th corral. I wish I was in the 18th corral because I think that will more reflect my finish time, but that's okay. It will just give me something to chase the whole time. "Look for the guy holding the 4:15 time sign and follow him to the finish!" :)

WOW this is exciting...I am scared out of my mind. I printed off all the information who I will probably just hand to my coach AKA: AA AKA: Jamaican Sprinter and he will tell me where to go.

Bad News: There are only two GU stops along the whole course...this is not going to work. Coach can you meet me around mile 15ish for a GU? Thanks lovebug!

Okay have to go now...feeling sick...OH LORD HELP ME! :)

PS...ran a small 7 miles yesterday and felt GREAT, ran 10 miles on Monday felt like crap. Hmmmm...I am not consistent at all! Let's pray that on June 26 I am on FIRA (fire...with an accent :) )