Marathon Dedication

A marathon is about dedication.  Dedication to the training, the schedule, the early mornings, the training... I said training twice.  BUT this post is not about that kind of dedication.

Every year I dedicate the miles of my big race to the people in my life.  So this post isn't about me.  It's about you.  I feel so grateful to have you all.  

I dedicate mile...

1- To my PARENTS & their respective spouses, thanks for being there for me, even when you're far away.

2- To my SIL, who has traveled from BOS to be here with me & my support crew.  It means a lot to me to have your respect.

3 - To Jill - because she's a closet runner who has a way with words, and I appreciate those words.

4 - To B-nut, who's 4th birthday is just days away, and though you clutter my life with busyness, you fill it with joy.

5 - To my BIOLABUDs!  Yea, I love you guys, and I will certainly be thinking of you all and our BIOethics ... and our book dropping habits as I schlep through the city.

6- To Amber, Joan and Lisa - for being part of the Posse.

7 - To V & Ann - who don't run, don't really get why I run, but are there for me anyway!  Thank you Zickie Zickie!

8- To G, my son, who is so cute when he's trying to compliment me, even though it never comes out quite the way he means it to - I also hope I "do good", though to be honest honey, it's a long shot that I'll win it.  a really really long shot, one that involves some kind of natural disaster, or plague...

9- To JEN, PAM, SHELLY, AMANDA, ANNE, RENE, ZOE, MCMMama, EMZ, MRS D, EARTH MAMA, MEREDITH ... you know, this could go on and on... you know who you are...  just know that I know who you are too.

10- To C, my eldest, who is trying to get a grip on this sport, I hope it grabs you one day the way it's grabbed me.

11- is dedicated to the makers of BODY GLIDE!
12 - To SDD:  There is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness!

13 - To H... the race is on the 13th of the month, and I've been married to you for 12+ years.  Here's hoping the number 13 is lucky, eh?

14- To Mel because something she said last year about Pies stuck with me all the way through THIS year...  and because I think... yea, I'm pretty sure that I need more COW BELL.

15- is dedicated TO NOT TACKLING THE RED SHIRTS!

16 - To SPEEDEE - last year you helped me through mile 16, and this year you've helped me through miles 1 - 1,234 (that's an actual number!).  You're awesome, and yea, I was lookin'.

17 - To Pants Guy - because you're hilarious, but in a laid back kind of way.  This Cheetah Skirt will be wa-ay behind you!

18 - To The Witch Dr - Without your thumb, I wouldn't be here today. 

19 - To 3L - Thanks for always being there for the run, no matter the hour or weather.  

20 - To DeNiece - even though she likes to sleep in on T/Th.  Congratulations!

21 - To Ocean - toe the line with confidence, you are the next level.  

22- To the Illusive Dave... just know that any tears I shed in the mile I dedicate to you are probably tears of mirth.  

23 - To Meade, my bro, nothing personal, but I hope this run doesn't suck as much as your Iraq 10K.  Stay safe.  I miss you.  It's only 42,195 meters!  

24- To COACH El - I almost didn't join MTT.  But then, I met you at an expo... and I did, and it was the Best. Decision. Ever.  I can't say that I loved every step of the running, but I sure did have a good time running with you & the Swampies.  In all this training one of my fondest memories is of you standing at the entrance to the stadium after a long (long) run saying "Way to go G!".  Thank you.  You deserve, and have, my trust and respect.

25-  To Q - You are an amazing coach.  Thanks to you I have changed the way I look at my sport.  Of course, thanks to you I have also changed the way I look at a lot of things, including half the music in my library, the Taper, and the Blvd/64 under pass.  Oh yea, and on race day, don’t forget to eat.  I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.

26- To T, words can't express what you mean to me.  You're my best friend, and I appreciate you.  I love that with you, I can be a runner first, a logical thinker second, and not be judged for either my success or failure...  I love that we can laugh about it later even if its not funny.  Oh, and by the way, "Nice Socks."

26.2 - Belongs to me.  The end of '09 and early part of '10 I spent a few months rehabbing my torn hamstring, driving to and from the Dr, building my base back from scratch, running (effing) 1 minute of strides per (effing) 5 minutes of walking,“racing for fun, not for speed”.... and I learned a little about myself.

I would rather EPICALLY FAIL trying for Awesome, 

than fully accomplish Mediocrity.  

Runner First, Logical Thinker Second.