journey to 26.2

"A river cuts through a rock not because of it's power but it's persistence" ~unknown

In just two shorts months I will be showing up at the starting line of the NYC Marathon.  It feels like a lifetime ago that I said yes.  My heart has opened deeply on this training journey.    

I have ...
Explored new roads.  Gained confidence in myself.  Reached further than I thought I could go.  Payed attention.  Completely zoned out.  Learned new ways to train.  Given up.  Pushed myself out the door.  Let go of expectations.  Smiled.  Cried.  Thrown my hands up in victory.  Waved hello.  Woken up early, earlier than I ever thought I would.  Fell in love with running in the morning.  Found a countless number of feathers.  Climbed hills.  Sped up.  Slowed down.  Listened to what my body was saying.  Learned that persistence pays off.  

I am grateful for the moments I get to run.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, untangle my heart, and find my way back home.  I never thought that running would be such an integral part of who I am, but it is and I am so grateful to have it.  

With each step I have taken I can feel the presence of my mom right along side of me.  When I feel like I can't keep going a feather appears and I know she is near.  Running the NYC Marathon in her memory has given me an opportunity to heal.  It has helped me pick up the broken pieces of my heart and tend to them.  Fresh air, warm sunshine, and the open road helps breathe life back into my tired soul.  

I still have a ways to go on this journey but I am excited about where I am going.  I am beginning to feel strong and confident.  I am finding my way, navigating this unknown terrain.  I am pushing myself forward.  With gratitude in my heart I fill each step with love.  The journey to 26.2 is long but it is beautiful.  So many things learned along the way.  So much love, so many cheers.  I stand here today ready to take on the next two months 

I am running with Fred's Team.  This team is associated with Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital and raises money to support critical cancer research as MSK's Cancer Center.  I am proud to do what I can to fight the fight against this terrible disease and I envision a day when we will be without it.  My inspiration to run has been driven by how deeply my family and so many others are affected by cancer each day.  Join me in this fight and help me raise as much money as I can for cancer research.  No amount is two small and every dollar counts.  Together let's imagine a world without cancer! 

A great big thank you to everyone that has already donated and to those who have been cheering me on throughout this journey.  Without the love and support that I have been receiving I am not sure I would have made it it this far.  Running a marathon is a solitary journey but the runner is never truly alone.  Support, kindness, and cheers have filled my heart with love and for this I am deeply grateful!