The Countdown Begins

I am now four days away from the Suncrest Mountain Race, my first half marathon. The nerves have started. I'm as equally excited! Still trying to overcome this knee pain, I have tried some different strategies with my running. And I think I have finally found one that might just work, incorporating a slow jog for about a quarter mile every mile or so. I did a nice four mile run last week and had no knee pain at all. So, we will see if it works for 13.1 miles!

This morning I had planned on doing a 10 mile run, but that did not seem to be in the cards. I overslept my alarm and upon waking up at 8:00 am (three hours later than planned) I had a sore throat. I do NOT want to get sick! So, after deliberating what I should do, I decided to go for a hike instead. It was a beautiful day, sunny with a slight breeze and I felt fantastic. I will do at least two short runs this week, just to keep the blood flowing....and my sanity, but other than that the next four days will be spent resting and staying healthy.

This race has taken on a little bit of a new meaning for me as well. This past spring I was able to take the kids to Michigan to visit our Granny and Gramps. This was a fabulous trip and one that will stay in our memories forever! While there, I would take my morning run....25 degrees on those brisk Northern Michigan spring mornings, in the middle of the "sticks". Every morning, once around the block....four miles.

On August 17th my Granny passed away. She was a very important woman in my life and I loved her dearly. It is a great loss, not only for me, but for everyone who knew her. She was a wonderful woman who touched the lives of so many people and was a very special person. She will be greatly missed! My Gramps is a very special man as well, and was by her side for over 57 years and right there by her side at the end. Always taking such good care of her.

This race, my first half marathon ever, will be run in memory of my Granny and in honor of my Gramps. So Gramps, the whole race, every time I think I'm tired I will just say to myself....."just one more time around the block!" I will only have to say it three times and I will have finished my first half marathon! You and Granny will be my inspiration, yet again in my life! I love you both with all my heart!