The week leading up to race day went by in a blink of an eye. Before I knew it, I was packing my carry-on for San Francisco, and in my car on my way to work Thursday morning with an overwhelming sense of 'Holy S**T, am I really doing this?' Mimi and I were on the same flight and it was both our first time flying Virgin America, which may I tell you, I felt like I was in Vegas. Their ultra-posh lounge feel of a check-in area, to the music playing and the white leather seats - it was quite the flight experience. Unfortunately, LAX has never seen a muscle massaging stick before. (If you haven't experienced the wonders of such a thing, you're missing out). It's basically this stick with handles on both ends, that has these rolling 2in pieces of plastic that form to your leg, arm, etc, and you roll out the muscle soreness or it can help with stretching of the muscles. Anyway, they thought it could be used as a club, so they took it away and now the trashcan is the owner of said massage stick. Frustrating and irritating, not the way I wanted to start off the journey. We arrived in San Francisco a short hour later and voila, race day weekend had officially begun.

Friday consisted mostly of the hotel, niketown and the expo. There was delicious food and great company with a concluding dinner overlooking union square and home to the expo. Saturday was a day that mostly consisted of back and forth trips to and from niketown. Having people fly in or arrive at different times usually means repeat trips. The name on the wall alone is a sensational experience. Granted, you're among 22,999 other names, but it's a really cool thing to think about. The inspiration dinner and arrival to the convention center was thrilling. The noise decibel alone would have made any person amazed. The clappers, the signs, the sea of purple, everyone clapping and cheering for you, acknowledging that you did it, you succeeded in the goal you set out to achieve. You, yes YOU are helping to save lives and improving your own in the process. I spent most of the walk trying to find the SFV mentor staff, but the purple was endless, and soaking it all in took top priority. Rounding the corner to head down the stairs, we all came upon a sign that read, "I'm a survivor because of you". And if you can honestly read that, in that setting, and not have tears come to your eyes, I'm not sure you're human. It's a reminder of the reason we were all there, the money we raised, and the good it was doing.

Upon getting back to the hotel room, Louis gave me a gear crash course. He started handing me different things to put in my already completely full pack - pain ointments, blister specific band-aids, salt pills, salt packets, you name it, he was preparing me for it. I just sat there, nodding my head, and accepting all and any help he was willing to give me. I went to bed that night with ice on my lower extremities, clutching my race day pack, and the muscle massage stick by my side (Tara brought one in her checked luggage).

Race day was an early one. A 4am alarm with some instant oatmeal and hallway stretching. Donning garbage bags and an odd mixture of fear, excitement, suspense, and adrenaline, my pack of TNT friends and I neared the start line. As soon as we crossed, and the timing began, it was on. We were warned by so many not to start too strong because we'd have a hard time at the end, but I think Marcela, Mimi and myself took that too literally, and started off too slow. At least we know for next time. We began running, knocking one mile down at a time. Running passed fisherman's warf, singing gospel choirs, up hills with scenic golden gate bridge and alcatraz backdrops, there wasn't anywhere else I think I'd prefer to be. We began losing one another around mile 10 or so. Mimi's knees were really bothering her, and each time Marcela and I would stop, it would be hard to start up again. So we would run ahead of one another and then catch up, it went like that for a few miles. Going through cheer stations and hearing random strangers yell out to you "Go LINDSEY, you've got this" or "Looking good LINDSEY", was so motivating. It really is what keeps you moving. There were music stations set up along the course whether it be speakers playing "power jam" songs or actual bands, the music was a welcome and loud encouraging push. There were breakdancers, pink spandex wearing men and women doing acrobatic moves and holding signs, endless volunteers handing out foods like oranges, bananas, luna bars, powerade and water, etc. To think that they were all out there, that early in the morning to cheer and help out, just shows the power of random people wanting to help others. Did I mention it was also raining? Such dedication.

Marcela and I met up again and started to head toward the turn-off area where the half-marathoners are directed to go in one direction and the full marathoners in another. This was it, the separation point. After the turn-off, it got quiet, or so it felt. There were far less people on the course, there weren't as many onlookers lining the route as there were for other mileage, it became a bit desolate and kind of lonely at times. Around mile 13/14 it started to sprinkle. With the lack of cheering and the rain, as we were running in some sort of a loop I decided to start cheering on those who were passing by me going in the other direction. It kept my mind off the running, and became more about trying to read people's names on their jersey's. It was probably rather annoying for those around me, but oh well. I know how important it is to hear someone say I can do it, I can imagine it had to be the same for them too...I hope. At this mileage, I also noticed my hips were no longer just a dull pain anymore. I stopped at a med station and grabbed whatever they had - Alleve was what I was after, IB Profin was what I walked away with. Soon after this, Marcela and I got separated. Now it was just me, the course and the rain, which was no longer a sprinkle and was coming down with a bit more force. During this running process I had been texting those who were coming out to cheer me on, and as I was struggling to find my headphones, I looked at my phone and saw that Natalia had texted me to tell me that they were waiting for me at mile 17. Tears came to my eyes, I shoved my wet phone and headphones back into my pouch, and just kept going, knowing I'd get to see them soon. At about mile 16, Pikachu (aka Louis) caught up with me and I also ran into George (one of the mentors), who had already completed the marathon and whom was coming back to make sure we were all okay. It was great to see the both of them. George ran a few minutes with me and then he went off to find others. Louis stayed with me the duration of the next 10 miles. Even though we weren't in constant conversation, just knowing that he was there, got me to that finish line. Each mile after 16 became a milestone, since due to injury, I only trained up to 16 miles prior to the event. No matter what happened after this point, I was achieving something amazing. At about mile 17, I started searching for my friends. I saw them tiny in the distance, and just took off in a sprint, not even thinking that I still had a little under 10 more miles to run. I ran up to Alex, threw my arms around her and didn't want to let go. It's still hard to put into words what it felt like to see them there. Jason, Natalia's boyfriend, holding the umbrella, Natalia and Alex holding water-logged signs and cheering for me asking me if I needed anything. What I needed at that time was them, their distraction, and they were there. I left my friends behind and started off again.

I started to feel a little cramping in my calves at this point, so I slowed to a walk, took some salt, took a gu, and watched to see how I was feeling. Luckily it passed, but it was the beginning of what it felt like the last time I hit the "wall". I had heard stories of the infamous Lake Merced and how horribly boring the course becomes at this point. I had Louis there, and although he'd hold back to run with others or run ahead, he was a yellow pikachu and not hard to find if I needed to know that I wasn't alone. From before when I was encouraging people at the loop, I started to do the same at this point. I knew that if I was struggling, they were most likely as well. Reading people's shirts, seeing who they're running for, reminding them of the names on their backs and telling them they can do it, is what helped me to pass the time. Soon enough, there was only a 5K left to go of this infamous marathon. The rain was coming down, and although each hill I seemed to go up, someone would say it was the last one, there would always be another one waiting in the distance... ALL LIES. More people started lining the course, more music and cheering, kids passing out silver pom-poms, coaches from teams all across the U.S. encouraging you to keep going, running with those who were having a hard time, all the while, it's raining and cold. I made sure that with each volunteer I saw, I said thank you. So cool that they were out there. Anyway, the end was approaching, I could see the finish line. Louis said, once you see that finish line, just sprint. I think at this point,I was just trying to get my legs to still work. One tear began to fall, and then another, just in seeing the finish line and thinking of what I was about to accomplish. Then I heard it.. I heard the "GOOOOOOO LIIIINNNDSEEEEY" and the cheering, there were my friends screaming for me, and the rest of the crowd making noise, I began to break down, I couldn't look at them, I just had to keep going. Then I heard it coming from my right, and there was my family. I had to regulate my breathing because I was pretty sure I was going to hyperventilate due to my crying and the lack of air intake. I crossed the finish line, and that was it. I had just completed a marathon. I went and instantly hugged my family and thanked them for coming. The walking through getting a finisher shirt and free stuff seemed like a blur, the fireman with my tiffany's box, all of it, I felt like I was just coasting along. When I was able to see my family and friends, I was shivering cold (they had run out of the wraps they wrap you in when you finish), and I was completely awe-struck that I had done it. 26.2 miles, completed.

It's an incredible experience no matter who you are. It's of course made better by the cause that you're fighting for, but it's such an individual experience as well. We all wrestle with our own demons, insecurities and apprehension. This was something that I really never thought was possible. I had signed up for the half, and I was worried that I wouldn't have the ability to even complete 13.1 miles. The support that I received from my family, my friends, my teammates, the mentors, my (because of the marathon) physical therapist, even strangers is just awesome. Knowing that I had such a strong support network that was cheering me on got me through that day.

My "Oscar" aka marathon speech: I have some amazing friends and family! Thank you to Tara Stephenson for being my "sister" and an inspiring force, Louis Kwan for getting me through the last 10 miles and just for being awesome, Natalia Zambrano , ALexandra Lee, and Jason - the only reason I made it to mile 17 is because I knew you were there waiting for me, Mimi Garcia & Marcela Rojas for being my "sole" sisters and making this marathon what it was. ALL of my TNT family, Butch and Mary for standing out in the rain, My mom's and Janis for matching my sobs of joy at finishing, and for all of you who couldn't make it but were there in spirit, who donated to my fund-raising and who wanted to, you all are incredible and although I actually completed the mileage, each of you are apart of this 26.2 miles of sweat and tears! I'm made better by those around me, so thank you for being so remarkable!! <3 (music played me off long ago)

I've had a hard time writing this re-cap. I think partly because I'm not ready for it to be over. The experience was unlike anything thus far, and for whatever reason, putting it into words makes it too final. A conclusion that I'm not ready to accept. The race, the cause, the whole experience was legitimately incredible. Thank you for being apart of it and helping me reach this amazing achievement. GO TEAM!

Thank you!

Love,

Winger

*******

If you would like to view more photos from the marathon, you can see them here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2386434&id=5302702&l=28b788cd29

*******

My two running partners only have one more week to raise the rest of their funds. If you can spare some change and help them out, it does go towards an amazing cause:

Mimi:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf10/mgarcia63b

Marcela:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf10/mrojasfxxv

7 days. 7 days and counting until I complete my first endurance event where I'll be running a total of 26.2 miles!!! To think that could even be possible is a bit overwhelming.

Driving to our last practice yesterday, I started to imagine the finish line...and...then....crossing it! The feeling that washed over me was complete satisfaction and utter disbelief that I'll be trading Balboa Park for San Francisco, and a hypothetical finish line with the real thing.

We received race-day info and our jerseys after our short run, where as the pictures below show, I was more than happy to be finally holding.

I have a lot of running around to do, mental strength to build, stretches to mimic and nutrition to follow, but in less than a week, I will be running a marathon in San Francisco for an incredible cause that as we learned yesterday, our San Fernando Valley team raised close to $200,000 for!! Can you believe that?!? It's astounding to think what a few people can do to truly help.

I'm not quite ready to re-cap my experience, so I'll leave this post short in fear tears will already start to flow, but I'm excited, overwhelmed, and completely pumped for 10.17.10!!

Again, thank you to each and every one of you for supporting me, the cause, and being understanding of my lack of time the past few months. All of you helped me to get to this point, and helped a truly giving and worthy cause! You rock!

**If you have yet to donate, and still want to, please help my good friends and running partners reach their fundraising goals:

Marcela:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf10/mrojasfxxv

Mimi:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf10/mgarcia63b

Lisa:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf10/lisabrzostek

AND if you happen to be in San Francisco next weekend, come out and say hi, I'd love to give you a huge sweaty hug at the end!

<3

That's right people, we run marathons to help save lives (Mara, Tara, Marcela):

After two Michaels, and two Joanne's, I finished my jersey:

It's been awhile since I updated and I feel it's about time I fill you in on what's been happening the past few weeks.

Well, I went on a running hiatus due to necessity. I was on my way to an injury and had to stop and listen to my body. The most important thing I have learned during this whole training is to listen to yourself. I rarely want to do that due to my stubborn nature and my determination to continue, but if I've learned anything, it's that your body will tell you when it needs to rest.

The chronic hip discomfort I was experiencing was more like sharp pain and the knees were less than weak, but almost feeble. Due to those two things, I looked up a sports therapist and an acupuncturist and got on it. The sports therapist recommended me to a great physical therapist (mosaic physical therapy - cynthia is fantastic!) and I've been on my way to getting myself to a point where it doesn't hurt and I can actually run the full marathon come October 17th. It's been frustrating and depressing to sit out runs and the inability to run has created this insatiable need to get back out there. From the physical therapist I learned that I'm weak. I wasn't strength training and my legs were literally having issues figuring out how to work with all of the added strain I was putting them through. As my acupuncturist said I was "lit up like a christmas tree from the hips down". Everywhere you would touch with any sort of a measure of tension, I would wince in discomfort. The IT bands, the glutes, the hips, basically I was learning more about muscle support than ever before. My right side was compensating for my left side and my left side was just sad. So all in all, I'm on my way but not nearly there.

I ran today - the rest of my awesome full marathoners completed 20 miles (GO MIMI & MARCELA!) whereas I kept it at a half-marathon (13.1). I was happy I was able to do that but knew that if I pushed myself any further I would end up back where I was. I currently have ice on my knees and I'm hoping that the next time the team does 20 - September 25th - I'll be able to finally say I have completed 20 miles!! Until that day, I'll do my best to find the time needed to do my PT exercises, go to my doctors appointments, and take my supplements. It's GO time!

On another note, I've completed my fundraising thanks to each and every one of you! I owe you more than you know and I'm forever indebted to you. Thank you for supporting me, supporting the cause, and motivating me to that finish line! You all are awesome and amazing and I'm truly lucky to have you in my life! For those who have yet to donate and who would like to, I would love for you to support me, but I would ask that you donate to my new friend and fellow TNT running mate - Mimi Garcia. She's so far behind in her fundraising, but she's just as dedicated, completely deserving, and has been a great new friend and running partner. Your donation is completely tax deductible and truly goes to an amazing cause, one that is held in each of our hearts as we run and struggle through those miles. If you would like to donate to her and support me, her link is:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf10/mgarcia63b

She'll let me know and I'll be right there with my gratitude and you'll still be the recipient of my wrap-up note that will be coming after 10/17.

Finally, I have been asked, turned in the application, and have now become a TNT mentor for the next season! After meeting such incredible people, running for a worthwhile cause, and learning so much about myself and my abilities in the process, I have decided to continue on with Team in Training and I hope that I can inspire and motivate others like those this season have done for me. I'm excited for the next few months and can't wait to start supporting the new "mentees" as they fundraise and train for their first full and half-marathons!

I can't express how thankful I am for all of you who read these and who have supported me each step of the way. There are no words to describe your awesome-ness!

There are a few more weeks left of training before the marathon and I'm already getting butterflies of excitement! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Thank YOU and of course, GO TEAM!!

My TNT Girls (L-R): Rebecca, Lucia, Marcela, Mimi, ME

(After all this time, I figured how to update using new posts vs the same one....)

Each week, I surprise myself as the mileage increases. I ran 16 miles this morning. and I can't believe that all I have to do is run 10 more to make it a marathon...! I'm proud to report that I finished and didn't hit the infamous "wall" of last week. The hips still hurt like crazy, and make me walk like someone 3x as old, but I'll take it. I had to stop at each water stop to stretch (pictured above), and I was overly cautions running because of the total body shutdown that was last week, but not going the full mileage wasn't an option, although quite tempting. For a 5-mile leg, we ran with a new mentor, Megan, whose godchild is 4 years old, 28 pounds and currently undergoing treatment for Leukemia. It was empowering and motivating to hear her speak of his strength and heroism. I can't imagine being 4-years-old and going through such a thing. It definitely kept me going to the finish. I flooded inboxes this week of my half to full intention, and got a great response from my family and friends. Truly meant more than words can express the outpouring of love and feedback that I received. Everyone's words have inspired and will continue to inspire me on this journey. I only have a couple hundred dollars more left to reach my fund-raising minimum, but I'm truly hoping to surpass what I have to raise, and give as much as I can. We have "recovery" next week - 8 miles and my awesome running partners - Marcela and Mimi - both agree: that's easy, and we can't wait to increase our speed!

Sidenote: Since when did 8 miles get easy?

Run, Winger, Run.

Racing to Save Lives.

(Updated 8.7.10)

Thank you for coming to my Team In Training page!!

I've chosen The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training because I believe in their mission, and want to do what I can to help save lives in any way possible. We're raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure! If you or someone you know has been affected by any of these diseases, please let me know, I'd be eternally grateful to do this in your/their honor.

For those that know me, I'm not a runner, or at least I wasn't. It's been a gradual build-up to even convincing myself that I can achieve this. Last year, I decided the Nike Women's Marathon was my goal, and at the time I was barely able to run for more than 2 minutes. Since then, both my lasting power and mileage has increased, and I've been asked to participate in other half-marathons, but feel like I should stay true to what I set out to accomplish. I want the Nike Half to be my first, but definitely not my last.

I hope you are able to make a donation, it can be $5, $10, whatever you think you can manage, and join with me to help others in any means necessary. If now is not a good time, I’ll be at this for a few months (deadline-Sept 30th), so please check back. I don’t like asking for money, and I definitely have a hard time doing it now, but for such a good cause, I feel like we can all help out somehow.

Please come back to my page and allow me to share with you my progress both in health and training, commiserate through sheer exhaustion and frustration, and revel in successes. I hope you enjoy my pain, share your insight, and take to the road with me both literally and metaphorically!

I plan on updating along the way, and I'm a great cheerleader for all those out there looking to do the same or who currently are. Lets do this!

Go TEAM!

Winger

Update (5.24.10):I had my first pracitice/training this past Saturday, the 22nd, and I may slowly be considering the notion of doing the full marathon. Time will tell how crazy I am, but the half seems like something I could actually do whereas the full seeems remotely impossible and therefore a complete challenge. We'll see how this goes, and which level of insanity I decide to embark on...

Update (6.5.10): At practice this morning, it was revealed that one of our teammates lost her mom this past week. Which cancer she was struggling with was not disclosed, but it was an emotional moment and it reminded us all why we were in that parking lot, and how important finding a cure and our fund-raising really was. I couldn't believe she was there, but it gives her more reason to fight for the cause. We ran a little over a 10K, and as I came into cheers from my fellow teammates, it really makes you feel like you're apart of a community, it's a great feeling. I had to get shoes quickly after, my feet were telling me it was time, but I can't wait to get out there and try them out!

Update (6.12.10): As of this morning, I have officially run the most I ever have - 7 miles, and I felt like I could keep going! It was such a triumph and I can't wait to see how it feels once we reach double digits. My outer knee started to hurt, which I hear is the IT band, some strength training and those dreaded squats are on the list of things I need to do this week... We also had an honored teammate stop by, Audrey. She relayed to us her brave story and battle with cancer. She was diagnosed 8 years ago with a cancer where she had a 20% expectancy to survive. She's far surpassed that expectancy and gone on to race in 27, soon to be 29 races with TNT raising funds to help find a cure. Truly inspirational and definitely makes each step worth it. They say that you get addicted to the running, but for me I get addicted to the fight, and the fact that there are so many others that are passionate about the same, just makes it all the better. Can't wait for next week and hill work...

Update (6.19.10): First encounter with hill work... not bad. Went out to a new area today - Porter Ranch, met up with a sister/brother team from Santa Clarita and conquered some hill repeats. I'm still having issues with my shoes which can be rather frustrating. I was told having an insert may be causing my knee pain, so I took it out, and now I'm dealing with blisters. One day my feet will cooperate and my running will improve. Next week we break off into distance groups - half and full, the decision I'm having to make is creeping up.

Update (6.26.10): Welcome to the end of June! Can you believe how fast it went?? Anyway, this week was the first week where we split off into distance groups. The half-marathoners did 6 miles, whereas the full marathoners did 8. There wasn't much debate as to which distance I was going to run. I wanted to keep pushing myself....so 8 miles it was. After running through the "tunnel of love" (the team puts their hands up forming an arch and you run through as you finish), I surprised myself by thinking I could keep going. Yes, there is some knee pain, but that's nothing compared to what those go through who have these cancers day in and day out. At mid-weeks this week, one of the participants couldn't make practice because she was at the side of her ailing friend suffering from leukemia who only had a few more hours to live. The mentor who relayed this mentioned, running for 45 minutes today is nothing compared to what her friend and her friend's loved ones are currently going through. How true that was. George, another mentor who has run 19 marathons, ran the last mile with me back to the water stop, and he kept going faster and faster forcing me to keep up. At the same time, he wasn't stopping for any interval. It was incredible to know that I could push myself and run faster and go farther with that type of motivation. Thanks George! Again, I can't say enough about what a great experience this has been thus far. The people are incredible, and the camaraderie is amazing! We're technically off for 4th of July weekend, but that following week - it's back on and I can't wait!

Update (7.10.10): Today was an all team event. We met with other local TNT teams from all over: Westside, Long Beach, San Gabriel Valley, etc. at Griffith Park and tackled hills and trails. FYI: Sand sucks! Ok, fine, it builds endurance and the hills may kick my ass but they prepare me for what awaits in San Francisco. As you do it, you wish it were over, once you're done, you feel you could do it all over again. It's exhilarating and the endorphins are talking, the calves may hurt, and the toes may ache, but hell it was a great new experience. We also took a few photos in an abandoned zoo cage. I keep saying it, but a great cause and good people really make a difference. I powered up the hills even after staying out until 1am last night, I keep pushing myself and listening to my body. Who knows what I can do next. It helps that I know I'm running for a purpose. Go TEAM!

Update (7.17.10): Wow, today was hard. I did my first double-digits! I'm proud and scared. The heat was the killer. I checked my car as I was leaving, 100 degrees at 9:30am. That means we were at least running in 90 degree heat for the duration of our miles. My body was tingling, I was definitely feeling the effects of what the sun is, and there were far too many times that I wanted to give up and walk. As I peeled my running clothes off and reflected on my exteremely hard-to-get-through morning, I just have to keep thinking it's nothing compared to what the children and adults alike who are suffering with these cancers have to go through each and every day. We heard a story of Kyle, a 4-year-old who has been battling leukemia since the beginning of this year. I can't imagine being so young and having to endure so much. My running aches, pains and gripes is nothing compared to what he goes through. Here's to being done with this week and moving on and up. An ice bath and some knee rest is in order. Be well!

Update (7.24.10):We conquered hills again this week up in Porter Ranch. Happy to report cooler temperatures and a better run all around! We were in recovery this week, so only 8 miles, but next week... 12 await us. Unfortunately, I won't be there, but fortunately, I will be in Palm Springs for Ms. Jessica's bachelorette party! I'm a bit worried about missing the increased mileage, but I'm looking forward to the 14 that await me the week after... yikes! To think that eventually this all adds up to 26, is insanity! I haven't been making mid-week runs because of my ridiculous work schedule, but I'm trying to find someone near beverly hills, century/culver city to run with. Any takers??? Each mile I go is an accomplishment, and each time I get out there, it helps me to know I'm doing it for a wonderful cause. Have a great week and I'll see you via updates in 2-weeks!

The ladies below are some of the awesome people I've met during these past few weeks, and they totally keep me going.

Update (8.7.10): I ran a little more than a half-marathon today...and...I officially hurt! Today was a jump in mileage from 10 to 14, and not having the buffer of 12 last week was felt in all parts of my body. I was told that I was running around 9.5 min miles, which made me almost skip at one point. Towards the end, I'm sure that number escalated...but to even get down from a 13.5 min mile is an accomplishment. At about 11/12 miles, I started to question my resolve at completing 26.2 in Oct, but Elizabeth and Lisa were there to remind me there's still time, and giving up would feel worse than any pain experienced at the finish line (Thanks ladies!). It was the first time I started to feel my body shut down. When we started to run, I had felt that my hips were going to be a problem -- note to self: stretch the hips next time -- but that wasn't all, my calves started to burn, my feet were heavy with lead, and my lower back started to chime in with sharp shooting pains. I doubted myself and that's the worst thing you can do. At one point when our 1-min walk interval came around, I turned to Elizabeth and said I just have to keep going, I can't stop in fear I won't start again. Each step I made was getting me closer to the end. I started to hear Alexandra in my head telling me to keep going (going back to the days of her relentless suicides she made me run). This inner dialogue was her reminding me I'm strong, to never give up, that I'm not a quitter and that I CAN and WILL do this! She was right, and I was able to persevere and make it through the tunnel of love at the end. I immediately sat down and almost began to cry due to my entire lower body and its war with me, but I got up, and stretched it out. Again, I run and remind myself the reason I do this and who I do it for. It has nothing to do with me, it's about all of the people that receive help from the money I raise. 16 miles awaits me next weekend, and I'm ready to tackle the challenge!