One Week!

Well a week from tomorrow is the big run. I am starting to get really nervous. It weird, nine months ago, I couldn't even run a mile and here I am preparing to run 13.1. It's amamzing how your body can really surprise you.

I am a self professed lazy bum. I really do not enjoy dieting, working out and trying to get that perfect body. This journey to 13.1 miles has taught me that it's not about the perfect body, but the body that you have and what you choose to do with it. I have chosen to push mine to what I at one point and time believed was it's limits.

I have come to see that the limits I thought my body had were actually just small stepping stones to pushing the limits of what I am truly capable of.

Today was a 10 mile run. It was tough, I wil tell you that, especially since I have had some pretty poor long runs these past few weeks. I don't know what is was today, but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and I just kept going. One of the women on the route, who saw me going back and forth, asked me how far I planned to go today. When I told her that it was a 10 mile run, she smiled at me, wished me luck and told me to keep moving forward. That's what it's about - the encouragement, and the drive to move forward. There was also a spot, the same spot on the path, no matter if it was mile 1 or mile 7 that was very tough for me. It's up a slight hill and it's just not fun. Every single time I hit that spot and thought about walking - a monarch butterfly crossed my path - every single time. I took that as my sign that I could keep going, and I did.

After the run, I felt great. Before I jumped into the shower (MUCH NEEDED) I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. For the first time in my entire life, I looked in the mirror, saw my body and instead of criticizing it - I thanked it for being so strong. I have a strong body & I have a strong mind. This is what keeps me going.

So, let the countdown begin - soon enough I will be crossing the finish line - with a huge smile across my face!

Freak Out!

So the marathon is getting closer and I am totally freaking out. I've had some less than good runs and now when I look at the route, it seems ridiculous and I feel like it will take forever. I know I can do this - however I am just having a moment.

Everything from getting there to getting home to figuring out everything else inbetween.

Right now I just need to chill, relax and take it easy.

I can do this - I will do this. I will run and complete the Chicago Half Marathon and when I do cross the finish line I will feel accomplished and remember just how strong my body & mind are.

I WILL DO THIS!