So I’m running a marathon tomorrow!

I cannot believe I am running another marathon tomorrow.  I feel like the Baltimore Marathon was just last week, yet it feels like it was an eternity ago.  On Wednesday, it hit me that I’m running another marathon.  It was like the reality didn’t set in until then.  First, I started hyperventilating mildly freaking out, then I tweeted my panic.  This is why I love my tweeps.  I got so many positive and encouraging tweets.  The number one reminder that I will constantly repeat to myself on race day: trust your training.  I trained for this.  I can do this.

Now that I’m done giving myself a public pep talk, I have to tell you about the great reminder I got on Saturday of why I am running this marathon.  As you know, I’ve been training with Team in Training for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and I raised over $1,000 for them.  I’m really proud of that accomplishment.  It’s not easy to ask for donations, especially after hubby and I collectively raised over $1,000 back in October for Team Fight.  I’m so grateful to all of my wonderful and generous donors.

On Saturday, TNT hosted their all-state training in my town.  It was a frigid morning, but shivering in the cold listening to the reminders of why we run and raise money for the organization was just what I needed.  There were about 50 people there and it was inspiring to see these fantastic folks getting ready to train for new events and raise money for TNT.

The first mile of the run was called the “silent mile.”  We were instructed not to speak for that mile.  Volunteers were spaced out for the first mile holding signs and pictures with names that either said “In honor of” or “In memory of.”  I know distance running can make me cry easily, but it usually takes a few miles for that kind of emotional instability to set in.  I was in tears for the first mile.  At least I had my sunglasses on.  Seeing those pictures, especially as a mother to see the ones of young children, broke my heart, but it also strengthened my resolve.  The pain of running 26.2 miles is nothing compared to what these people have been through.

I’m really excited for the marathon – excited for another marathon experience because there is nothing else like it and excited to represent TNT.  I’m also nervous.  My training went well for the most part, but I had to step it back a little when I was diagnosed with runner’s knee in January.  I wasn’t able to do all of my speedwork because it made my knee hurt more.  I don’t even know what my time goal or my pace will be yet.  I’m going to play it by ear and see how I feel.

Good luck to everyone else racing this weekend! Happy running!

Also, check out my Follow This Mother feature on Another Mother Runner!

And check out my interview on Digital Running!