Dedication

The nerves are building! We made it to Champaign, Il tonight. We had dinner and are now settled in our hotel. I think I'm glad we stopped here tonight because I remember the feeling of being in Chicago from the last time. Brad will know what I mean tomorrow. Once you're there, there's no turning back. The dream starts to become reality and all the energy is focussed on this one event and you are the center of attention for the weekend. This marathon is (I believe) the best attended marathon out there. I can't wait for the crowd support. When we first commited to doing the race, my parents were planning on coming with us. As I write tonight, Dad is in a hospital in Chattanooga and his future is even more uncertain than ever. It's been a bitter sweet day. In some ways I am glad they did not come because Dad needs to focus on himself right now and Mom needs to be there with him. I am lucky that they have already done this with me once before. Ironic, huh? This is something most people only aspire to do once and I was lucky enough to realize that dream and have my family there to realize it with me. I knew when I trained before that something divine was pushing me to run that race. I'm glad I did and I'm glad my family was there to partake with me. This time, the scenario is much different. From the time I decided to run this race, I knew it would be dedicated to my Dad and his illness. I was telling Brad today that I feel so helpless in the situation but it brings a lot of comfort to do what I can do. I can honor Dad's legacy by running my heart out for him. Brad has dedicated several miles to various people but I am dedicating the entire race to my Dad and Brad. Both of the men in my life have reached milestones this year. It is a miracle that my Dad survived to see Robyn born much less to see me run another marathon. I'm not sure how much longer we will have Dad with us, so I am grateful to be able to run for him in Chicago since he cannot. As for the other man in my life, Brad continues to amaze me with his commitment to health and weight. He is an inspiration to most, but even they have no idea the hurdles he has jumped. The man I love now is a more confident, more focussed, more intentional man. His life is full of purpose and joy that comes from inside. He has been the driving force this time for our training. His example has pushed me on when I did not think I could do this again. I'm glad we stuck with the training and I know we are going to have a great run. It will be a life defining moment to start and finish this race with the love of my life and my life partner! I'm so proud of both of the men in my life. They are fighters and heroes. Run on...