Dedicating the miles

Well it's almost here - less than 48 hours from now I will have run (and completed) the Metro Health Grand Rapids 1/2 Marathon . I spent some time reading all the important stuff on the marathon and was horrified to find out that I cannot use my iPod! AHH!! I freaked - I made my pump me up keep me going playlist and now I can't use it? It's for insurance purposes and I understand but I was then wondering how I was going to remain focused for 13.1 miles. I'm like a gnat - easily distracted. At least with the songs, I could say -ok just make it through this one,etc.

I did, however come up with an even better way to keep focus. I will be dedicating miles to people - while I run that mile, I will think about them, focus on them and force myself to complete that mile in their honor.

Here we go:
Mile 1: Nikki - bubbly, awesome and determined. Even though she's my baby sister, I look up to her
Mile 2: Julio - Because he's got a lot going on - I'm running this one for him
Mile 3: Jackie - For all the encouragment she's given me - she's one of the best
Mile 4: Mari - she's got a lot going on, but she's keeping it together, I admire that
Mile 5: Mom - She's never given up on me
Mile 6: Dad - silent, but my strength - he's always supported me
Mile 7: Aunt Gayle - she's a fighter - I want to fight like she does - her will to live, the way she lives and her determination awe me
Mile 8: Grandma Stella: I know she's proud of me, she was my best friend - I miss her
Mile 9: Neal - Hate to break it to you - I won't finish second, but your encouragement means a lot!
Mile 10: Niko - he's finally learning to be himself!
Mile 11: Sarah & Cheyenne - Amazing friend, Mom and her bundle of joy - she's known me for over 20 years!
Mile 12: Rafe - His my soulmate - my champion and an amazing person. I know if he could make it he'd be screaming for me
Mile 13: ME!

And to everyone else who's wished me luck, supported me or told me I was just plain nuts!

Nerves Kicking In

6 days and counting. My nerves are kicking in.

It's a slow running week and the weather should be ideal in Grand Rapids on Sunday. I'm hoping!

I need to stay focused because right now I'm scared I won't complete this. I must and will complete this run!