the time is here & thank you

In a little more than 24 hours, I’ll be lining up in my corral. My stomach will be fluttering. My heart will be racing. My hands will be sweating. Or freezing, depending on the crazy weather.

It’s time.

I’m excited. And scared. I worry that I haven’t trained enough or strategized properly. I’m nervous that none of the four outfits I’ve packed will feel right or that my trusty compression socks won’t ward off cramps should the temperatures soar.

The fear of the unknown is what does me in every time.

In some ways, there’s a lot of pressure, because I am giving myself one chance at this marathon thing. I want to do my best, but I want to have fun (such that it is when one is testing the very limits of their physical being for 26.2 miles, give or take). It’s a tough balance to strike.

Most of all, I just want to take a moment to thank you, my readers.

For the last several months, you have been here, following this training cycle, offering support and encouragement, cheering me on and pushing me forward. I really don’t think I would be here without all of that, and I appreciate it so much more than you can know.

I only hope that I can repay the kindness and pay it forward tenfold.

Wish me luck! It’s off to the races!