Let the taper begin...
Those words were music to my ears for most of my swimming life. To hear them again in the context of running is equally amazing but anxiety inducing nonetheless. I have been a swimmer for much longer than I've been a runner. And I was a sprinter. So I have had to work hard to get to this point in my training for Boston. I've had to work even harder at the mental game.
Sprinters don't have time for a mental game.
"Get it done" IS the mental game there.
26.2 miles is a lot of time for head games.
And I play them. Or they play with me.
This winter has been extremely challenging. I could say some really fresh words about this winter. But I won't. Our final DFMC long run was pretty much in a snow/rain storm with a whole lotta wind, temps in the twenties with a real feel of teens and some dark and gloomy skies. That was the theme this winter. Hoping Mother Nature gives us all a well deserved break on the big day. If not, I need another outfit. I've been wearing basically all my running gear every weekend since December and I have shorts and a DFMC singlet to wear on 4.20.15. Somehow I feel unprepared in that area. I won't know what to do.
But whatever to the weather. We live in New England. It is what it is. We have to expect it at this point. But a break would be nice. And by break let's not get crazy. 50 degrees. Some sun at the start. Overcast for the entire run and some sun at the finish. Complete with angels singing. Thank you mother nature. And Jesus.
But the long runs are done and THIS has been an amazing team to run with. Dana Farber is a crew of the most supportive, inspiring, caring people I have ever met. I am a better person for having met them, trained with them, heard their stories and fought hard with them. We are still fighting hard. That fight will never end but I pray we are closer to a cure. That is my one wish.
Yesterday's impact statement was given to us by our beautiful friend Sandy. While she was sharing her own story of how her family has fought cancer through her incredible son Matty, we had a little surprise for her thought of by our amazing friends Kerry & Steve. Kerry & Steve bought every DFMC team member TEAM MATTY T Shirts to sneak on when they arrived at BC and when Sandy was done sharing her story. We all unzipped...
I especially loved the hand over her mouth in this one because she was truly speechless.
Sandy,
We can't thank you and your beautiful boys (Matty, Zach, Chris & Johnny) and your incredible parents for all of the hours you have put into us. You are one in a million. We love you. Can't wait to give you so many hugs once again in 3 weeks.
Love,
DFMC
Don't Stop Believing!
We never will because of Matty.
We never will because of you!
Today is a rest day. And I mean rest. We are lounging around. The sun is shining. El and I went on a date while C went to boxing. I love my conversations with her. 6 year olds are so funny.
E: Mama are you going to run the whole marathon? Like the whole thing?
Me: Yes, that's the plan Beans.
Me: Yes, that's the plan Beans.
E: That's far. That's really, really far. (Whispering) Man that's far.
Me: It is far but you can do anything you put your mind to, I want you to know that. I want you to always know that.
E: I want you to know that I am not running that far. Maybe when I am bigger but I don't think so. Probly not because I am tired. If I were you I would just run really fast and get it over with.
Me: I love your honesty Beans. And your words of inspiration. That's a good plan.
I'm tired too Beans. But we can do hard things.
We're doing hard things to beat cancer.
Fighting Cancer 26.2 Miles At A Time
#DanaFarber.
(PS I am showered but I may need my hair brushed)
But it's all about this beautiful one.
Love you Shirl. Shine down on us.
Thank you for being part of this journey. For being a part of our lives. We can never thank you enough.
Love,
T