Earlier this week, I polled my favorite mother runners on Strava, asking their last-minute advice for this rookie marathoner. I was floored by the amount of terrific advice and overwhelmingly encouraging words I received. I don't know how anyone could train for a marathon without the support of a full BAMR squad. Their role in my training success cannot be overstated.
Among the advice I received, which I hope to cull into a separate post, several mentioned to remember my mantra, perhaps even writing it on my arm so I can see it when my energy flags in the later miles. I love mantras and have several that I pull out when the going gets tough (on a run or in regular life!). But none of my standards seemed quite right for this moment. Then it hit me: I get to. I don't have to; I'm privileged enough to have the opportunity.
 |
| The next time I lace up these shoes, they will carry me 26.2! |
I get to:
- spend several hours doing what I love.
- traipse through my favorite city, exploring the sights in the unique way that only covering the distance on foot allows.
- soak up the energy of my fellow runners and the fans along the course.
- see the faces of my sweet family and dear BRF as they cheer for me (at multiple spots! They are too good to me.).
- carry the words and well wishes of my amazing Strava friends, strong women who motivate and inspire me daily.
- test my limits and prove to myself that I can do hard things.
- finish this journey that began 18 weeks ago in the depths of winter when this glorious spring day seemed so far away.
I get to run a marathon.
