Let the carb loading begin

I find people to being absolutely remarkable.  At every turn, my friends seem to surprise the hell out of me - mostly in amazing ways that lift my spirits and fill me with unbridled gratitude.  I have been fortunate in my life to have had some pretty incredible experiences that have afforded me the opportunity to travel the world and meet some unbelievable people along the way.  I have built friendships from so many different facets of my life and it is such a special feeling when I am reminded of the magnitude of the bonds of friendship that we've created together.  

When I began this crazy journey to run a marathon, the initial reactions from family and friends were mixed.  Most of you thought I was crazy.  Some figured I wouldn't actually go through with it.  Many of you reminded me that since I had just finished recovering from a knee injury, a re-injury was probably inevitable with all the training that was involved.  And would that risk be worth it?

But as soon as I proclaimed my intention with steadfast certainty, you were all in my corner showering me with overwhelming support.  And the support has been so much more than just financial.  I am getting words of encouragement and motivation from all sides.  Even as I suffered from multiple injuries while training - yes you were all correct with the foresight of a re-injury - no one told me to quit.  No one has ever said to me, "You can't do this.  Just give up trying."  How lucky am I to have people in my life that believe so deeply in my ability to fulfill my own dreams?

Everyone seems to have gotten involved and staked their claim in my journey to see this through.  While I appreciate being encouraged during Krav Maga classes not to quit and push myself harder since I am in marathon training mode, I'm pretty sure the constant yelling could be curtailed just a bit, right?  But I do love being held accountable and I appreciate the willingness to help me succeed.

Thanks to all of you, I have successfully reached my fundraising goal of over $1800 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  I am just mere weeks away from living out this wild ambition of mine.  Due to some lingering injuries, I have conceded to running the half marathon instead of the full.  But I am still fully committed and incredibly excited to embody this phenomenal experience!  

I am not sure how to begin to thank my friends for the unbelievable generosity and the support you have shown me over the last few months.  Friendships from every era of my life have come forward to give me strength and encouragement.  Those of you from my childhood, high school and corporate working days have helped me rekindle my belief that true friendships do indeed endure the test of time.  And I feel closer than ever to the more recent friendships in my life as your confidence in me only deepens our connection.

I hope to see some of you out on race day.  I'm counting on you guys to bring a stretcher and some extra ice.