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Friday, January 05, 2007

Off to See Mickey!

"My bags are packed, I'm ready to go": Did my last run yesterday afternoon, packed my weekend bag, dropped the dog off with some friends, and now we're ready to head to Orlando, but before I go, I want to share some "thanks" for those who helped me get to this point (careful, this is gonna be like an Oscar acceptance speech: sappy and lengthy!). A runner certainly runs alone in many ways, but even someone training alone, like myself, doesn't do this kind of training by herself -- she needs a team of supporters cheering her on. Without mine, I wouldn't be getting ready for such a feat on Sunday.


First off, I'd like to thank my husband -- the unsung hero of my training. The training has taken me away from him physically, mentally, and emotionally: I'm sure he would have preferred that at the end of a work day I would have stayed home with him instead of running out the door to get my run in, but he never said anything; instead, he encouraged me and always asked about the running. I'm also sure he would have preferred countless conversations about something other than running or marathons, yet he never switched the topic when I droned on about both. Running has become a big part of my life over the past 18 months and this marathon has been an even bigger part in the past 4 months, but instead of resenting the time and effort I spend on it, my husband has only supported my interest. I wouldn't be headed to Disney if it weren't for him. Of course, he is the one who's driving.

Secondly, I'd like to thank my friends: All of them here in South Florida, all of them back in MN, and all of them scattered in a few other states! Everyone has taken a keen interest in my 'thon experience and they have continously offered support and encouragement that has been invaluable (some of the guys even so generously offered to have me run to the strip club to pick them up -- ahh, you can't buy friends like that!). And I would especially like to thank Erin, who knew that I was nervous this week and has thus peppered me with emails, calls, and a sushi dinner to help pep me up and encourage me -- she will probably worry enough for the both of us, so maybe I won't need to as much -- thanks Erin!

Third, I'd like to thank my family and my husband's family -- all of whom I know will be thinking of me on Sunday morning and who, I know, love me if I finish or not!

And lastly, a HUGE thanks to my fellow RBFers!! When I started this blog a year and a half ago, I could've never imagined that I would become part of such a tight knit running community! Everyone's advice, suggestions, help, encouragement, humor, and support have made this marathon training, and before that -- all of this running -- so much easier. Even though I've never met any of you in person, I feel like I have a big team of friends out there, so thanks -- it's been invaluable to have you all!

Alright, I think that's it! Thanks again, and I'll report to you on Sunday! Cross your fingers for me!

16 comments:

Junie B said...

I am so darn excited for you i can hardly stand it!!!

PollyBee said...

wow, good luck at Disney -- please be sure to post about the entire marathon experience --

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Good Luck Jess... stay focused and enjoy the experience and give Mickey a BIG HUG :-)

Erin said...

Wow! I got an honorable mention!

You know darn well I am cheering you on AND worrying for you so you can have a great time. Enjoy it!

teacherwoman said...

You go girl! And I expect a full race report when you get back!! Enjoy it!

Neese said...

have fun!!! :)

MNFirefly said...

YOU WILL DO GREAT! Rock on!

Iron Jayhawk said...

Eeeep!!! you're running a marathon....TOMORROW! You're going to be brilliant! BRILLIANT, I say!

runner26 said...

Best of Luck!! No matter what happens, it will be a most memorable experience! Enjoy!!

Mmem said...

Found your blog via neese, how exciting for you today!!!!!!!

Have a great race, I'll be back for the RR!!!!

Mmem said...

PS--It is my DREAM to run at Disney, too!!!!

Say hi to Mickey as you are smokin' by him!

SRR said...

Good Luck baby doll! Looking forward to reading your results!!

Iron Jayhawk said...

AHhhh!!! HOW DID YOU DO?!? I can't find you on the runner update network.

Anonymous said...

You are probably done by now and I just hope you are doing okay.

Junie B said...

i found her on the tracking just now! she finished!!!! YAY!! her number was 6978.

she was on target up to 20 miles (4:35), and i think something might have happened between that and the finish....i dont know what her goal other than to finish was.

Jess i am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU DID IT! YOU ARE A MARATHONER!!!

teacherwoman said...

Consider yourself tagged! You can check out my post to see what I am talking about!