Why Would You Ever Run 26.2 Miles?

I've been asked this question several times. Why would you ever want to run a marathon? Well.....why not?

Training for a marathon and raising money for the American Cancer Society has been one of the most rewarding and enlightening experiences I've ever gone through. Training for a marathon has pushed me to new limits. It has forced me to overcome the fear of the unknown. It has helped me better deal with the unknown. It has taught me patience. It has taught me perseverance. It has given me faith. It has broken me down. It has built me up. It has introduced me to new friends and strengthened friendships with old. It has given me camaraderie. It has given me a purpose.

Did I know this is what I would get out of training for a marathon? Absolutely not. This has been more than anything I could have ever anticipated. So much more.

Here are some great inspirational things my coach, teammates and others. Please enjoy.

“Every morning in Africa, an antelope wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest antelope, or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or an antelope – when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.” – African Proverb

"If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then will power is no longer a problem. It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's besides the point. It's simply that I just have to." - Emil Zatopek



Letters from all of you- sharing stories and words of encouragement

 "So, the Cardinals have come from 10.5 games down in the wildcard standings to 1 game up in the World Series, all in a matter of weeks. A miracle? Probably, but a very well planned and executed one. Just like the feat you are undertaking this weekend and have trained for for months. No wonder baseball and marathons are the most used sports for life analogies!"- Jeff Shaw

"The perfect run – The wind at your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends by your side." - Aaron Douglas Trimble


Flowers from Casey and Caroline :)



"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham

There have been ups and downs through this all and I can only hope it finishes on a high note. I know as my marathon experience concludes, it is definitely a high point for the three individuals I'm running for.

Sadly Beth will not be able to attend the race festivities with Lindsay but that's because she feels well enough to travel to go see Megan! That's so fantastic that her strength and stamina are back for a girls' weekend. I hope you gals have a great time and please know that I'll be thinking of you :)

Grandpa Hal has finished his radiation. He is worn out but otherwise feeling fine. He is so grateful to have that experience over with. Now it's time to recuperate and wait to see how effective the treatment was.

Grandpa Louie is back at home and getting stronger every day. Today I went over to get my stash of Cardinal birds- long story- and he looked so much stronger than just a week ago when we were decorating my shirt. I can tell he is so proud of this experience. He got a little choked up telling me goodbye and good luck. It brings tears to my eyes (yes I have tears welling in my eyes as I type this) and a lump in my throat to think about it.

At tonight's American Cancer Society dinner, I found out I was one of the top fundraisers. At this point in time $3,006 (it's not too late to donate, so share the link: ACS Link). I owe it all to YOU! Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way- whether it was kind words, a note, a donation, words of wisdom for the weekend, anything. You all have made the journey worthwhile. I'm sharing this honor with all of you :)

Well I think that's it for tonight. I'm ready to get some shut eye, or at least try. For those of you watching the Cards game- make sure they win!

T minus 10 hours til the start of the race!