My thoughts on Marathon #2

Last Thursday I flew home for my grandma's funeral.  I returned on Saturday and really wanted to pay for an upgrade to first class.  I decided it was a waste of money and my decision paid big dividends.  I was seated next to a pastor who asked me about my Bible search.  I explained that I was searching for my 26 verses...one for each mile...for my upcoming marathon.   He shared with me one of his favorites...Ephesians 6:10  Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power and told me he would pray for me.  He said he knew I would be successful!

Until that moment I was not really focused on the race nor was I excited about the race.  The weather forecast is a huge bummer.  I know how much it is going to hurt this time.  I have big hopes and that scares the crap out of me.  After this not so chance meeting (at least in my mind) I felt more focused and encouraged. 

I have my verses ready to get me through the rain, the hurt, the frustration, and the excitement.  I can't rest any more or run more miles.  Tomorrow is the day!  I am ready!

Matthew 7:25  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.

Exodus  15:2  Do not be afraid.  Stand firm!

Romans 8:26  The Spirit helps us in our weakness

2 Timothy 1:7  God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self control.

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

I have run 570 miles since August 1 in preparation for this marathon.  I have done the speed work, suffered through horrible long runs, wanted to quit on myself more times than I can remember, run through pain, and battled past the mind games.  I have run in all kinds of weather except snow.  I can't imagine what else could happen tomorrow that hasn't occurred in the past five months.  Tomorrow in my mind is the kind of easy part of this process.

My focus is to follow my plan.  I plan to push when it hurts.  I will focus on the mile I am running not the one to come.  I will enjoy the journey because I have earned it.  I will breathe out weakness and breathe in strength!

8:00am tomorrow the fun begins!!

Good-bye 2012

We had a great year.  Sure it was filled with typical ups and downs, but overall I have no regrets.  We took some amazing trips, made great memories, and had lots of fun.  I could say a bunch about everything, but that would take too much time.  So, here is our year in pictures!

January---the highlight was a trip to Louisiana for the Gumbo Cup.  Both Emma and Jonah competed and did great. 

February---One of my favorite months because of birthdays...mine and Samuel's!  Samuel got a big boy bike.  Emma and I also volunteered at a race and it was freezing cold. 

March---I ran my first marathon!  We took a trip to Beaver Creek Colorado and the kids loved skiing.  It was an amazing trip and I wish I could include all the pictures.

April---I met my running coach finally!  She was in Houston to compete in her first 70.3!  We ran a 5K race as a family for the second year in a row.  My grandma passed away so we took an unplanned trip to PA.  The good part was seeing cousins I rarely see.  It was bluebonnet season in Texas.  I also took my favorite picture of the year!

May---Samuel started playing soccer.  It was Mother's Day and we had a super fun backyard day!

June---I ran Zooma Annapolis 13.1 and had lots of fun.  Father's Day happened.  It was Emma's 9th birthday and Drew and I went to NYC!!!  Drew sang at Lincoln Center and we celebrated our 15th anniversary.

July---we headed north to visit family....oh so fun!  Drew took a four day bike tour.

August---time for Eagle Camp, Elena getting a big girl bed, and returning back to school.

September---It was Jonah's birthday and we celebrated with a weekend trip to Galveston.

October---Jonah became a Tiger Scout and it was Halloween!

November---Emma, Jonah, and Samuel ran a 1 mile race on Thanksgiving day.  I ran a 5 mile race.

December---Drew and Elena had birthdays and it was Christmas!

I love looking back on the year.  It makes me even more thankful for all we were able to do and experience as individuals and as a family.  It was an amazing 2012!