Loose Ends

So this is the point in the planning that I am trying to tie up all those loose ends...and boy, are there a lot of loose ends. I am off from school now for two months and this gives me the opportunity to push full speed ahead. First day off was yesterday and I was able to approve the proof of the medals, email logos to several people, help finalize the poster, check on ribbons for kids' races, check on an additional sponsor, and set up aid station instructions for my beloved Course Director, my husband! Today, I will make a few more phone calls, mail off some important papers, and put the rest on my list for next week. I will be leaving for California on Saturday and in the meantime, I have to attend my daughter's 5th grade graduation. I will also catch a quick run on Friday with my other daughter; hopefully, she slows down a little - her mile PR this last month was 6:47. Smokin'. I often try to include some of my personal life in this blog so that all of you can see that there is a balancing act in this whole picture.

I have not yet announced, in my blog anyways, our latest sponsor and beneficiary: Pennies For Nicolls Foundation. If you run the relay, all of the proceeds will benefit them. The Pennies For Nicolls Foundation is sponsoring the Relay to raise awareness of MPS. The ADT Marathon team will be providing multiple coin drop off locations to donate your pennies (any coins!) to the Foundation (locations are tbd). All donations are tax deductible. You can also donate to them during registration. I am excited to have them as part of our team this year!

All of you should be well on your way in your training. I hope it is going well, and remember to enjoy it!

"Run hard, be strong, think big!" - Percy Cerutty

"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." - Juma Ikangaa, Tanzania

"Good things come slow - especially in distance running." - Bill Dellinger, Oregon coach

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"

- Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and sub-2:12 marathoner

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."

- Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ

Warmth!

Finally, the warm weather is here and hopefully, it is to stay. I am excited because I have worked hard to teach a fantastic 5th grade class all year, and now my reward: summer! I know, I know, you aren't feeling sorry for me, as it seems no one ever feels sorry for teachers, except when it has to do with salary; however, a good teacher gives of himself/herself all year long and is very deserving of those two months off. It will allow me to rest and get energized for next year's learners.

Over the summer, I am planning on spending several hours finishing up several details of the race. Many things have been started, but many things still need to finished up. Some things I plan to do are run with Quinn's Running Club a few times to promote the Relay, finalize the details of Pasta in the Park, ensure all of the trophies/awards will be ready, and answer any questions that come my way. Although fall was hectic and crazy with the race, the planning has paid off and hopefully it will be a fairly relaxed summer with planning. I have a feeling August will bring a few stresses, but I will take them as they come, or maybe they won't come!

Most of all, I plan on getting out and enjoying each and every day to it's fullest. I am going to hit the trails more, ride my bike lots, go the pool with my family, and enjoy the company of friends! I hope all of you have some relaxing plans this summer and of course, some training, especially if you are running a race in fall. Whatever it is you have planned, don't wait until tomorrow, do it today!

I read a book to my 5th graders today, during their graduation, and I thought I would share a quote from it:
"You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!" ~Dr. Seuss

Experiencing a Marathon and Spectators

Today I was honored to accompany Scheri (see pictures of training runs) for her last 8 miles of the Colorado Marathon in Ft. Collins. We have trained together for our individual races (mine is in 4 weeks in San Diego) and I wanted to be a part of this day. Lucky me, she is coming to San Diego as well.

What an experience, a marathon! Although Scheri disagrees slightly, and I know I was fresh, those 8 miles flew by amazingly fast. I contribute this to the great crowds and spectators along the course. All of the aid stations' volunteers were energetic as well. Everyone, cheering and motivating the runners to do their best and keep going. A race truly needs all three: runners, volunteers, and cheerleaders.

I often compare the training for and completion of a marathon to having a baby...hold on men, hear me out! You work really hard to physically and mentally prepare for this challenge. It takes months of your time. You pack your bag in preparation for the big day. Then, in just a short time (a few hours) you have accomplished this great feat.

If you are planning to run any of the ADT races this year, plan on bringing a fan club to cheer you on! Sharing this accomplishment with friends and family will be the cherry on the sundae, I promise!