Before I head out of town for the big race, I'd like to take a few moments to extend some "thank yous"; certainly, this path to the marathon would not be possible without the support of many people, so:
Thank you, first and foremost, to my husband, who will accompany me to the race and who will be waiting at the finish line. His patience and encouragement with this marathon has been invaluable. I certainly have been a pain to deal with as of late -- I've had one thing, and one thing only, on my mind -- yet, he's been understanding of my distraction. Thanks hon!
Secondly, I'd like to thank all my friends -- here in FL and in MN. You guys have all been more interested in this running than any good friend should have to pretend to be, and I appreciate it. Despite the fact that we could all talk about more interesting topics, you guys always ask about my long runs and my races and inquire into the health of my knee (or whatever else might be ailing me), and that is really awesome. Thanks.
Next, I'd like to thank my family, who even though they are far away and far apart from one another, always keep me in mind. Yesterday, my stepdad called to ask about my knee "or hip, or whatever it was that was hurting" and to make sure I run safely in Chicago. He tried to encourage me to step out if I start to hurt too bad; "m-hmm" I replied. "Oh well," he concluded, "I know you're a determined sort and won't do it, but your mom and I just want you to be safe." They have my best interests at heart. But he's right, I am the determined sort. So, thanks to the family as well -- all of them.
Lastly, a big thanks to all of you who read this blog and who post valuable insight, advice, encouragement, and smart-alec-remarks. Everyday I look forward to what each and every one of you will say and I always appreciate each comment (as well as your own inspiring blogs); some days, it's what keeps me dedicated to running, and it has certainly helped push me in the training for this race. Seriously, I don't know how many times I had just a singular thought on a difficult run: "I've got to finish this ________miler so I can blog about it for my homies." You guys are the bestest!
Alrighty, that's it for now. Thank you again, and I'll see ya on the other side!
Jess
45 comments:
Go kick some ASS, Jess! See you when you get back. :-)
THIS IS IT, GIRLIE. Have a great time!! You help keep me going too :D We can't wait to hear about it.
Yay! Be safe... Kick ass, but most of all FUN!!!!! Then a few brewskis :-)
Have fun!!!!!
What happened to my friend? What's with all the emotions? Run that f-ing race, cry a little, and let's drink beer! You are starting to freak me out.
Warning-my own sappiness: You know I support you and although I am not the running type, I appreciate your hardwork and dedication. Having skated for 18 years, getting my butt up during unfavorable weather, and suffering through doubt, I am right there with you.
Now go run that race and have a blast in Chi-town!
GOOD LUCK!
No problemo, Jess!
We all feed off each other's enthusiasm and its a wonderful thing!
Go get 'em, you've done the hard work now go have it pay off!
I am such a big wimp. You made little water things start in my eyes.
I am so excited for you, no matter what happens on Sunday.
Kick some ChiTown ass Jess!
GOOD LUCK!!!!! Have a blast and make sure to drink lots of beer (but not while running because that could affect your performance :)
Jess good luck and have a BLAST! Enjoy your little victory lap in Chicago you have earned it. Looking forward to the race report. Oh and crack one for me at the end. :-) I remember hugging the beer man at the end last year, god that tasted good!
Let's kick it into high gear!!!
See you this weekend. :)
Shake your booty in Chicago girl....you can do it....
Remember..........
HAVE FUN!!!!!!!
have a great adventure! enjoy this wonderful journey into learning about yourself.
and enjoy a chicago dog, something like YELLOW CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING and some beers afterward.
Go get 'em, Jess! You are going to have a great experience and so much fun! Hit Wrigleyville after the race to party with the Cubbie fans!!!
go get 'em, tiger!
GOOD LUCK, and most importantly, HAVE FUN this weekend! You've now taken on two more marathons (and marathon training) than most of the rest of the world - remember that no matter what happens this weekend!
Go get 'em, Jess!!!
It's been awesome to be a part of your journey!! Have a great trip!! I can't wait to hear all about it!
good luck lady! make you celebrate with a cocktail post-finish!!!
The Final Countdown! Kick ass and take names (oh man, that's the lamest thing I've ever said)!
Enjoy all the crappy food you can consume after. Can't wait for the report!
Good Luck Jess!!! You're really gonna rock that marathon. It's yours! Enjoy it, and here's good vibes for a pain free run!!
Take it all in! Wish I was there with you... :-)
ah shucks... that was a nice blog entry...
You're going to rock this race! Run swift!
KelsaLynn
My thoughts are with ya...
I am so excited about your marathon and can't wait to hear all about it. Have a great time :)
Great post, Jess! You are going to do great!!
You're gonna kick Chicago's ass! Us Florida girls are tough! Good luck!
You will do great! Just look for the crazy redhead lady in Chinatown. I will stick out like a sore thumb.
Good luck! And thank YOU for sharing your stories with us!!
Woohoo! Good luck Jess, you will be kicking some Chicago arse!
GOOOOOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By the time I'm posting this comment you've probably finished the race...or at least only a mile or two from the finish line! Kick ass! Have fun!
Can't wait to hear all about it!
I had the good thoughts coming your way during the race - hope it went well!
so i heard the race got cancelled?!?! how'd you do? that heat was probably nothing for yoU!!!
Hope you are okay - I heard on the news that they stopped the race due to heat/humity leaving ten thousand not able to finish and three hundred needing medical attention. No matter whether you finshed or not, I sure hope above all that you are okay.
Jess, I too heard about it and Tiffany blogged a little about it. Sorry to hear about how horrible the heat was. I hope you're okay too, and that all went well for you. Heard about the event running out of water... wow.
I'm sure you'll update when you return. Have safe travels.
Thinking about you!! Sounds like it was brutal out there! :>(
I have been thinking of you as I heard how brutal the heat was. My thoughts are with you... please let us know how you are.
Hope you are ok....sounds like the heat and humidity were wild up there. I did have two friends that appear to have finished but it's still not totally clear....just pray that you are ok.
Congrats on emerging from the Chicago fun run intact! 88 degree heat and humdity, you experienced the worst running has to offer and made it through!
I don't even know you but I thought of you as soon as I heard about Chicago being cancelled yesterday. You and the thousands of other people who got screwed out of a full marathon experience. I hope you're OK and had a good weekend, regardless. You got a story out of it, that's for sure.
Jess, thinking of you too. Hope you're doing okay.
I hope you're alright too chica. Sounded like a rough one.
The Chicago Marathon SUCKS!!!!!!! Maybe they will offer a Buy One Year, Get Three Free next year? I don't think I would do it.
I did enjoy throwing back a few cold ones with you and your husband.... yay!!! Bloggers love drinking!!
I passed out last night after drinking some vino and eating a steak. I figured I deserved it after the world's most expensive 18 mile training run... cough... Chicago Marathon.
i don't even know you and i've been worried about you! hope to hear something from you soon, and that you weren't one of the 300+ people going to the hospital!!
Checking in on you!!
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