Wednesday, October 10, 2012

On My Way

Well, this is it!

I am packing and getting ready to go.  Friday morning at 4:30, or the middle of the night depending on how you look at it, I will be at the airport getting ready to fly to San Francisco.

My nerves are in full swing but so is my excitement.  I have worked hard and trained hard and I feel ready.

It is crazy to believe that it was January when Shawna first asked me to do this with her and her family and friends.  I officially signed up with TNT and for Nike in April and in just three months, I had raised $3900.  What a whirlwind!  I can not wait to see Shawna and meet her friends and family.  I am looking forward to running with them and seeing everyone cross the finish line.

This past week, I did not run.  I am not too happy about it but it is, what it is, and I can't go back and change it.  I did get in some yoga, a few PT visits and one adjustment.  I will be well rested if nothing else.

People have told me that the excitement of the weekend will carry me through and I hope that is true.  13.1 miles is not easy, no matter how many times you have done it in the past, and this one will be no different.  However, I am doing this for Haley.  I am there to support her mom.  I am there because cancer sucks.
Haley, 6 years old.

On our shirts, we have have the names of people who we are running in honor or memory of.  Mine will have ten names written on it.  I will think about each and everyone of those people and their families and that is what will carry me through.

Ten people, thirteen miles and for me, almost three hours of reflection, prayer, struggles and I hope, victory!

Besides the race, my weekend is jam-packed with fun.  The expo, Alcatraz, birthday party for Haley and the Inspiration and Victory dinners.  We pretty much hit the ground running once I get off the plane and I welcome it.

I have been in contact with a few bloggers, Touch Chiks and SPA's who are all running.  I am hoping to meet a couple  of them and snap some pictures.  I really hope it all works out.

I will pretty much be offline strating on Friday.  I will have my phone and will probably post an update on Facebook, but the next post will not be until the middle of next week.

You have all been so supportive and it is your encouragement that motivated me to get up and run.  Thank you for being there for me!

Now back to packing.  This is my first destination race, so please feel free to comment and let me know what you think I should have with me.   I am pretty sure I got race day covered but I learn something new every day.

Are you racing this weekend?  Will I see you in San Francisco?

Run Strong, Think Big!  (Yup, that's the plan.)


13 comments:

  1. I'm new here but want to wish you the best of luck!!!! You will do great!

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  2. Good Luck, Nicole! You already know you can do it, so just "relax" and enjoy the weekend! I'll be thinking of you as I run my (very short by comparison) 5K on Sunday morning at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I hope one day I can have 13.1 under my belt like you do! You'll ROCK IT!!! HAVE FUN!!!!!!

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    1. Thank you Jenn! Have a great race, I will be thinking of you too. Have fun!

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  3. Yay- it's finally here! I wouldn't stress about not running this week, you'll be fine. I'm racing a ten miler on Sunday... not sure what to expect, but it's local, which is always nice. I'll be cheering you on from here!

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    1. Have great race on Sunday! I will be thinking of you too. A local race sounds good. Have fun!

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  4. So exciting! You are going to rock it! Enjoy:)

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  5. Good Luck! Any race is amazing but running to support people and good causes is even better.

    Enjoy all your pre and post race festivities and I can't wait to read all about it next week!

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    1. Thank you, MLR! Looking forward to writing all about it and I am hoping for some really good pictures.

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  6. Nicole,
    So excited for you and I KNOW you will have a memorable time and a great, energized run! All your training will not disappear in a week and perhaps you can think you deserve a week off. I am sure you have spent time with your family who are your #1 supporters and motivators so it is all worth it.
    Have a relaxing plane ride and enjoy the company of both old and new friends when you arrive in SF.
    Can't wait to see your facebook update and your next blog entry after your amazing race.
    Sending you good vibes always...
    Kathy :)

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    1. Thank you Kathy! Everyone of your comments make smile. You are such a great friend and look forward to seeing you when I get home!

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  7. Good luck, Nicole! You're going to rock this 1/2 marathon like it's nobody's business!

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