It is just 8 short days until the Vancouver Marathon.  My FIRST ever marathon.  26.2 miles.  How do I feel?

Excited and anxious for the things I’m not sure of…. like what’s the weather going to be like that day?  I’m worried about my right calf just deciding to “give way” in the next  week.  And I’m totally paranoid about doing something stupid like twisting my ankle or stepping off a curb the wrong way in downtown Seattle.  No really!  With all my effort and training, I’m worried about something weird that will keep me from running the race.

But in terms of the actual physical event of running this marathon… I’M READY.

When I hit the starting line on Sunday, May 5^th, I won’t be alone.  I’ll be among the most amazing group of friends and supporters I could ask for.

No, they won’t be running with my physically…. but I know they will be there with me virtually.

On Facebook I’ve dubbed these people my “cheerleaders”, and they have been there through the ups and the downs of my training since the first of January. What an amazing group they are!

I have been lead through this process by cheerleaders from my home base in Seattle, but also friends in Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, New York… many places in Indiana, Texas and Arizona… and non-stop love and encouragement from my best friend who lives in South Africa!

I’ve gotten advice and encouragement from the running group at my work, my BMO Vancouver Marathon co-bloggers (many of which are from Canada) and my amazing Team LUNA Chix family.

My children (14 and 12 years old) have been great for putting up with all this darn running their parents have been doing!  And of course my wonderful husband who has trained with me every step of the way and will be running the marathon with me on Sunday, May 5th.

Have you seen an African Proverb that says:  “If you want to go FAST, go alone… if you want to go FAR, go together…” ?

I won’t run 26.2 miles alone…  I’ll be thinking of all of you.

Thank you.

See you at the finish line, my friends!