Almost there...

It's 6 a.m. In 15 minutes, I leave to run my last "long" run with the team...except for the marathon, that is. I can't believe it's almost here! All of the work, the training, the getting up crazy early on Sunday mornings...you know, I think I'll really miss it.

Although I can't say I'll miss the fundraising, I am amazed that everyone was so generous, so giving, and I was able to pull it together. THANK YOU!!!!! I think of you all every time I run, and I know it will occupy my thoughts much over the marathon. Speaking of thinking of you, I got my singlet (the little race tops we wear). I'm going to use a sparkly fabric marker to write on it the names of everyone for whom I'm running. Hopefully, you'll be able to see this when I see this when I send my thank-you cards out.

It's been such a strange journey for me. It started with my mother's visit here, continued into our buying a new house, a new semester, and now, my grandfather is not doing very well. But through it all, I've had running, and (crazy me!) I plan to continue. Myrtle Beach 1/2, here I come!!! (I could't do another full marathon and maintain my marriage).

Lest I forget to say so, I am so very excited to go to San Francisco! I've never been there, and I can't wait to see the city (much of it on foot!). I have a list of restaurants ready to go, and, because you all helped me out so much with the fundraising, Ben can come too. We're hoping to get some light sightseeing in: to make it sort of a vacation. And I can't wait to read all of the inspiration quotes, and listen to the Gospel band, at the start of the marathon.

In one week at this time, I will be at that starting line. And from there, it's one step at a time to 26.2.