I am a runner. I'm a runner.

WARNING: This is a very emotionally charged post for me. Read with caution.

As I am nearing Marathon Monday, I am becoming emotional, feeling several feelings. Some being excitement, some anxiousness, some amazement, and some just overwhelming. I am hoping that blogging will bring me some peace....

Leading up to this marathon, I have never considered myself "a runner." I have felt as though that was a title reserved for only the most committed athletes, who truly run for the joy. About two weeks ago, as I was running with a parent during the Tomahawk Trailblazin' Runners club, she asked me the question which I have answered many times before, "Are you a runner?" Now usually I answer this question with something along the lines of, "Oh, not really but I try." Well, this time, something struck a cord, as I answered, "Yes, I am training for my first marathon." I think I have officially become "a runner." I suppose that running a marathon might qualify you as such.

Whoa! When did this happen? Was it the day I decided to run a half marathon (after never running more than 3 consecutive miles in my life)? Was it the day I completed my first half marathon in 50 degree rain (running weather that I now enjoy)? Was it in October when I ran my best half marathon to date? Was it when I decided to train for a marathon? Was it one of the many mornings when I awoke during training, and proceeded to push myself to run double digit mileage in either 4 degree weather, 6 inches of snow, or after having worked 6 days in a row? I don't really know when this happened, all I know is, I am a runner. I'm a runner.

There was another word in that response that struck me, "first." As of Monday, I am not only a runner, but a marathon runner. A marathon runner. This whole thing is surreal, I never thought I could be this, I never thought I could do this much. My teammate and former co-worker Laura Lintz, has this great blogpost this week about being your "best self." And I really believe this is a "best self" moment for me. And it brings me to tears. I am so amazed at what I can (and will) accomplish with help of so many supporters. And yes, as that response mentions, I plan to do this again.

VIEW THE MARATHON COURSE
For those not familiar with Boston or the marathon course; please take a look at this video.


It is a 4:30 minute fast-forward ride down the marathon course, set to, aptly chosen, "Born to Run." This is what I will be running in 6 days.

TRACK ME ON RACE DAY
One more reminder, if you will not be around on Marathon Monday, and would like to follow my progress you may do so here, with text or email updates. Simply input my bib number (23011) or search for me by last name to sign up.

THANK YOUS
Thank you so much for all the support from so many of you. I am $138.90 from my goal of $4,000 for Boston Partners in Education. If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, now is the time! And I would be so appreciative!

Let's close out with another round of thank yous:
Melissa St. Clair
Katie Wieringa
Steve & Kelli Salisbury
Brian & Evelyn Sommariva
Diana Petruzzi
Abby Gaghen
Kelly Strauch - fellow BPE marathoner
Lora McDonald
Karen Tefft