I’ll keep this post short and sweet. I know I say that at the beginning of most of my posts and then ramble on and on and on but I’m going to really try to give it my all.

Speaking of giving my all, my first full marathon is rapidly approaching. If you need me to be more specific it’s knocking on my door in just over one week.

The time continues to tick down as I write this. Even more as you read it. Can you tell I’m a little nervous?

Well I am. For a number of reasons.

1) My body hates me. My IT Band continues to resist any and all treatment, getting angrier by the day. I picture it to look like one of those mucous men when the medicine is administered on the mucinex commercial. Real Happy. 

2) I haven’t run any sort of distance in weeks. I feel like I am losing months of training as each day passes. I visualized this point several months ago. If I’m being honest part of me even wondered if I wouldn’t be able to race so I could attend the wedding of my friends when I found both were on the same weekend. But as the miles passed, I realized how much I wanted to complete this goal. And now I am scared I might not be able to.

3) I’m bringing in the big guns and throwing a complete wrench in my routine. Ice treatments. Rest. Stretching. More rest. Stim machines and something I try to generally avoid, medicine. All of these changes so close to race day are really contributing to my nerves. I’m not exactly a good “rester.” I feel like I should be picturing the course and all I can think about is whether my leg will hold up for mile 1.

But as much as I’m filled with doubt and nerves as to whether my body will hold up for the longest run I’ll likely ever do, I am determined.

1) Determined to do anything and everything needed to make sure I am ready when that gun goes off. For the last several weeks, I’ve been receiving emails nearly everyday with information about the race, packet pickup, pasta feeds, security updates and well-wishes. I must admit I’ve been avoiding them for the most part, but starting today I’m focusing on making the best of a bad situation and trying to enjoy each moment. Kind of like this guy.

2) Determined to do this for those who can’t. My knee hurts when I run. That sucks, but it’s nothing compared to the struggles and pain that others are going through on a daily basis. And it’s likely nothing compared to what thousands of other runners are going to push through next Sunday. I am blessed and I am trying to focus on that over the next week.

3) Determined to do this for TEAM PAWS. A very worthy cause that is even closer to my heart after going through a recent health scare with my pup, Finn. Pets become family. They tug at your heartstrings like watching Homeward Bound on a rainy Sunday. They deserve a chance at life. A chance for a family who loves them.

So as the countdown clock ticks away, I ask that you consider donating to PAWS Chicago and supporting me next weekend. Donations for the marathon close this Sunday, October 6th. And regardless of my finish in the race, your contribution will support the lives of pets who need it most.

DONATE HERE

Thank you for your consideration!