Final Countdown

13 days until Chicago Marathon....wow. What an experience this has been. As I began 9 months ago, I have to admit, I had NO idea what I was getting myself in to. I had NEVER run anywhere, let alone over 20 miles in one stretch (run/walk is actully what I do). I also was NOT a morning person. I have discovered that habits can be changed and new ones formed. I have discovered that if I persevere and with God's help, I can accomplish things that I never dreamed possible. I have met so many wonderful people and believe they were all put in my path for a reason (big or small) by God. Expanding our territories, whether it be physical or relational, has been a positive experience in my life. I am healthier, more confident, and blessed by the new friendships I have made. I will take away so much more than a medal at the finish line. I really appreciate everything that has been done for this group by Mark, Robin, Matt and Scotty. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, listened to me complain, and encouraged me. I will never forget this experience.

I will be out of town from Wed to Sun this week at an Asbury Seminary Retreat, so I plan to get refreshed physically, mentally and spiritually and be ready for Chicago. I hope everyone has a great "last training run". I will see everyone bright and early on October 5th. Happy training.... we are almost there.

Ann

21 plus miles

Yesterday I figure I did 21.16 miles.... today there are 21 days left until the big day. I am SO excited. I know you are sick of hearing about how slow I am, but I guess I maybe am telling myself that for 2 reasons.. 1 is that I AM slow, the other is surely I will do better at the marathon. But I finished my miles yesterday and actully don't feel that bad at all today (sunday). I am getting a little sad about the fact that this experience will all be over in just a few weeks. Thank you to everyone along these 9 months that have listened to me complain and to all of those who have encouraged me and all the others. Like I have said before, we are each running our own race. Enjoy these next few weeks and reflect back on your feelings the day you came to your first Marathon Makeover meeting. We didn't know each other, didn't know each others stories, thought it was all about us and the 26.2. But we have all learned so much more... determination, pain, accomplishments, friendships, hardaches, but we will all have victory on October 7th. Hats off to everyone. Happy training. Ann

thoughts

I have not blogges since the 20 miler. I am getting so excited and really want to do good this week at the 22 miles. Read Matt's blog.... this is what I posted in response to his blog.

Matt, those words are just what I needed to hear right now. I have struggeled all year with being sooo slow. But you know what, it is the best that "I" can do. I am not 25, I am not an "athlete", I am not a "tall, lean peson". I am ME. Just ME, but I am proud of ME and will be proud of all the hours that it takes me to finish the marathon. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined doing this. But I will and I will be proud of myself. Thank so much for your encouraging words and reminding all of us that we are unique. God did not create us exactly alike... and that is for a good reason. It takes all kinds to make this world a better place. Thanks again, and I will push myself to do better, the best that I can do.