Around the corner

Grandma's marathon is around the corner, 39 days and counting!  Every year I get excited for this day.  Actually, I get excited for the whole weekend of events.  Friday, is when we head to Duluth to pick up race packets.  I know this doesn't sound like a fun thing to do, but it is.  It's an opportunity to look around at all of the other runners and feel the energy being created in the room due to excitement.  Thinking about the past 4 months, and how hard all of the bodies in the room have worked to get to this point, is something that I love to think about.  I gaze at peoples shoes, what card they are holding for their race packet (full or half), ages, conversations, shorts and tank tops on the racks, running gear, snacks, beans, gels, free stuff... the list goes on.  Just knowing that everyone in the room will be partaking in the same event, an event that's world class, an event that changes people and allows for hope, an event that I am so proud to be a part of, is enchanting. 

To think that this is going to be my 2nd full marathon, is ludicrous... being I never thought I'd even be able to finish a half marathon!  Starting out, I thought 1 mile was ridiculous!  It's amazing to think of how far I've come, to think of how my body has learned to run.  I'll never forget Miss Lindsay Leno telling me, "If you can do the half, you can do the full... TRUST ME"  She was right, and I now find myself telling others the same thing!  Accomplishing a full , (or even a half for that matter) has allowed me to realize that ANYTHING is possible if you put your mind to it.  It takes motivation, God, and good lungs!

The count down is on, and I can't wait!  I'm praying for cool weather.  In the past Grandma's seems to fall on the hottest day of the year, which if you're anything like me; is not a good thing.  The heat and I don't mix when I'm not running, let alone when I'm running.  I've pushed through half marathons in 80 degree muggy days, doing a full in this is frightening.  Sixty degrees with no humidity and light cool mist would be perfect!  The prayers have begun!

Happy Running!