Here we go again...

As I begin my training for my second marathon tomorrow morning with my first group training session, I am cautious and nervous. I know the path ahead of me. I know my body is capable of amazing things. Yet I am still apprehensive. I will just put one foot in front of the other until someone tells me it is time to stop. I will do this.

As a mentor for Team in Training, we share tidbits of advice with those who are at the beginning of a life changing experience. One of my fellow mentors shared these inspiratonal words with the team today. She got this from a runners world magazine. I feel they merit being shared with you folks. Enjoy.

You pretend the snooze button didn't exist.
You dragged your butt out of bed while others slept.
While others ate their pancakes, you had a feast of
Protein, glucose and electrolytes.
You double-knotted.
You left the porch light on and locked the door behind you.
You ran 5ks, 10ks, and 26.2 miles.
Some days more, some days less.
You rewarded a long run with a short run, and a
Short run with a long run.
Rain tried to slow you, sun tried to microwave you,
Snow made you feel like a warrior.
You cramped, you bonked.
You paid no mind to comfort.
On weekends, on holidays, you made excuses to keep going,
Questioned yourself, played mind games, put your heart before your knees,
Listened to your breathing, sweat sunscreen into your eyes,
Worked on your farmer's tan.
You hit the wall, you went through it.
You decided to be a man about it.
You decided to be a woman about it.
Finished what you started.
Proved what you were made of.
Just kept putting mile after mile on your internal odometer.

How much farther will you go?