Going the Extra Mile...and Reaping the Reward

You are all good people.  You do good things.  You do so much for your families, church groups, friends and neighbors, teachers...so many wonderful things are done by YOU!  As I ran last Saturday and I contemplated stopping at mile 23 (truth be told, my husband was insisting...and really I agreed...I didn't want to disturb my actually Boston Marathon training by running my legs to the ground), but I kept thinking of going those "extra miles."  There were only 3!  I mean, after running 23, why not just keep going?

Before reaching 23, I knew from experience what usually happened around mile 20...total breakdown of body and mind.  I didn't want that to happen BEFORE my actual marathon.

 I remember with clarity, some 8 years ago when I ran my second marathon and first attempt at a Boston qualifying time.  I was all smiles and high fives until a light switch went off at mile 18.  It was like I had been hit over the head with a brick.  And then my legs felt like bricks.  I recall the pain being similar to child birth (minus the epidural)...seriously!  I just wanted the blasted thing to be over.  I remember seeing scores of runners pass me...feeling defeated, I almost quit.  But I didn't.  I kept saying, "Just put one foot in front of the other Heather."  And I did. I guess what, I finished...and qualified for Boston.

 So while running I thought to myself it was pretty awesome to run 23 miles.  It was a good thing...pretty awesome feat if I say so myself.  I mean, who runs 23 miles on a Saturday morning...not many people.  It would be totally fine to hop in the car and be done with it. I would have accomplished my goal by working my body and mind for a longer distance.

But I kept thinking about what I would get if I finished the race...if I just ran those extra miles.  Not only would I have accomplished something "good," I would receive a final reward from my effort.

1. The opportunity to run through the finish, where crowds would be cheering!
2.  A medal would be placed around my neck.
3.  A warm blanket would be set on my shoulders (something I couldn't wait to get...it was COLD).
4.  Fuel for my body (bagels, apples, bananas, chips, yogurt, juice)
5.  A massage.

I thought about the rewards of going the extra mile...and the joy it brought to me that morning.  I thought about you...and what more can be accomplish if we all would just go the extra mile.  If we take the good that we do now and commit to be better what amazing things would happen.  Whether we decide to show more patience in our homes, write that card of appreciation we have neglected to send, give of our time, or donate the extra we have...the rewards are great!

And the greatest reward is the joy we will feel in our hearts when we truly give of ourselves.

I see Sandy and Rich running that extra mile each day as they care for their precious Brittany.  I want to be just like them when I grow up.

You do so much good...thank you.  I am now only $100 from my goal!

Marathon Before the Marathon

(First of many view of our Nation's Capitol)

Yesterday I ran a marathon. I meant it to be a 22 mile run before Boston to get my feet, legs and mind ready for the big race in three weeks. THREE weeks?! Did I just write that...the big race is in only three weeks...YIKES! And after yesterday's decision to just go ahead and finish the final four miles of Nation's Marathon in Washington DC...I am can finally say, I am totally READY!

Did you hear that Brittany...I am ready to run Boston...just for you!

So to all of you out there who haven't sent in your donation (we are so close to reaching our goal...under two hundred buckeroonies to go) now is the time. By waiting until the last minute, you actually get a little more help in making a decision as to what time you think I will finish my marathon.

Here are the facts from yesterday's race:

1.  The temperature was ideal for running.  A lovely chill in the air...perfect!

2. I started out at a very comfortable pace with my friend Stephanie who was running only the half.

3.  At no point in the race did I even come close to hitting "the wall," wanting to quit or experience pain (that has never happened in my past 8 marathons).

4.  I ran a negative split (that means I ran the second half faster than the first...by almost 10 minutes).

5.  I am really not that sore today (usually I am unable to walk without pain) and am thinking about running tomorrow.

I tell you all of this so you can get your guesses ready!

My time (with a few photo stops, bathroom stops, phone calls and a shoe tie):

3:41:56

(My friend Stephanie and I before the race)

Remember this was a training run. Usually when I run, there is no talking, stopping and a high level of pain the last few miles.

So what is your guess?!

Send in your donation today and make your prediction!

Buck Up and Move Forward!

So today I had planned on running a 20 miler (yes, 20 miles. That is a little requirement when training for a marathon...running 3 or 4 of those) with a good friend of mine.  Last night, she told me she was unable to join me.

I thought to myself, "You have got to be kidding me. I have to run 3 hours alone?" 

I decided to buck up and move forward (after sending out a plea to all of my friends...no one was available). I had done this before and it could be done.  And then realized I still hadn't found my Garmin watch (I lost it a few weeks ago and it is a MUST have when I am running long distances.  It keeps track of my miles, time, and pace).

I thought to myself, "You have got to be kidding me. I have to run in circles now?  In order to keep track of my distance, I will have to run only where I know the distance! Stink.

I decided to buck up and move forward.  That night I mentally figured out my route for the next day.  I tried to plan something that sounded "fun."  I was actually excited to give my plan a try.  But I had no one to talk to and my music playlist on my ipod was something I had heard over and over again and I absolutely didn't want to hear it. If I had to listen to "Forget You" again...

I thought to myself, "No music?! Why didn't I get a book on tape or something for a situation like this?" 

I decided to buck up and move forward. I asked my husband to put a playlist together for my run.  And when I went to listen to it today...man oh man was it good. I was boppin' and beepin' and my pace was feeling the grove too.  But after 2 hours of running (and 6 more miles to go), I wasn't feeling the grove.

I thought to myself, "No one would know if I headed home.  Why am I doing this again?  Man my legs hurt!  Six more miles is going to take forever!"

I decided to buck up and move forward.  I knocked out 3 more.  And with the final 3 miles passing along ever so slow, I began to think of why I was running this marathon.  Sweet little Brittany, at home, unable to walk, talk, eat...to live on her own...entered my mind.  I am able. I will finish what I started.

And I did.  20 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes of running.  Aches: Check, Pains: Check, Sweat: Check

Feelings of accomplishment: CHECK AND CHECK.

Thanks Brittany for pushing me...

She is Totally Cool!

I showed this picture to Ethan the other day and told him that Brittany was home from getting her new trach.  I explained that with this device in place, Brittany would be able to breathe not only from her nose and mouth but her neck as well.  He was amazed and said, "So if I plug her nose and cover her mouth she can still breathe?" 

I said,"Yes, she can."

He then replied, "She is totally cool mom!"

Indeed, Brittany is totally cool sporting her new trach.  After spending over a month in the hospital, the family returned home last week!  We missed you guys so much!  Brittany is doing well adjusting to her fancy "neck ware" and Sandy and Rich are as usual, becoming experts in everything trach.

As the Boston Marathon draws near (on April 19), please make your donation to NBIA.  We are inching ever so close to our $2620 goal...will you help...you would be totally cool!