Thanks & Goals

First let me start by saying a huge THANK YOU to those of you have sent me texts, emails, FB messages, well-wishing blog posts, and any other method of communicating good luck. It means a lot and I really hope I can be the support to you all that you have been to me. *Sweaty group hug*

So I posted yesterday to the DR FB page that my co-workers had a pool going on my finish time. It's really quite funny because my co-workers are not runners but they are very sweet and supportive. I told them my PR and I told them goal and the guesses ranged from four minutes over the goal to 20 minutes under the goal (I asked this person if they thought I was Kenyan).

In any event just as with other race goals I've decided to do an A+, A, B, and C goal. I added that A+ goal because I'm still running around in my head about my training and whether or not I'm ready, but this ain't my first rodeo and I know that all I can do is get out there and do my best.

A+ Goal - 3:34:59 (I just think this is a little reaching...)

A Goal - 3:40

B Goal - anything under 3:48 (my current PR)

C Goal - anything sub 3:50

And that's really I got. As Jason keeps reminding me, "you're going to eat lightning and crap thunder!" (I hope so Jason!)

I'll catch you all after my race and I should have someone post my time on the FB page if you want to get see it before I can get a blog post up.

(Inspirational quotes, phrases, and random good luck comments are all welcome and most appreciated!)

Serendipity

I wasn't going to post this video but it seemed serendipitous when it came on the radio this morning on my way to work.

11 Randoms (AKA help with taper madness)

As I've only got 5 sleeps to go until my marathon I'm in taper madness. I'd totally be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about this race. I'm doing some positive visualization and thinking about my race strategy. I've got no plans this week but to rest and eat well.

In the meantime, since I really have nothing else to post about, I'm happy I got tagged by Summer from The Blue Line Runner for this post. It helps keep me from rambling on and on about taper madness. Heh.

The rules of this post:

1. Post these rules.
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog (FB page or other Social site) and tell them you’ve tagged them.
6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag people!

11 Random things about me:

1. My favorite Disney movie is Alice in Wonderland. Who needs princesses when you have talking caterpillars and momraths? (Don't step on them!)
2. I got a new tattoo on New Year's Eve. I had been wanting it for a while and I love it.
3. I cannot hock a loogie. I tried this morning and almost choked to death.
4. I think Johnny Depp looks like he needs a bath and that dirty look isn't sexy to me. I'll take clean cut any day of the week.
5. I used to HATE running in the cold weather. I'd get up for early runs and be furious it was so cold. Now I LOVE it. I think seeing my race times in colder temps made me change my mind. I still prefer hot days to cold with the exception of racing of course.
6. I would own a million LBDs if I could. (Look it up dudes.)
7. I used to smoke cigarettes in college and now I'm the person who covers my nose around smokers. As they say, the converts are the worst...
8. Where Summer posted that she's a fight, I'm most certainly a flight. (The only time I'd probably fight is if it were for a friend or family member versus myself. Otherwise, I'm outta there!)
9. I dream in very vivid color.
10. I hate peas. They are like little fart pods.
11. I'm sorry if I ruined peas for you.

Summer's questions to those tagged:

Favorite time of the day? Mid-morning, like 11 AM when things are just warming up.
What is your favorite meal to make? I generally like cooking for others and don't do it as much for myself, but I did like making a very easy chicken and dumplings meal.
Glass 1/2 full or glass 1/2 empty? Depends on the day. Today, 1/2 full for sure!
Last picture taken on your phone? None. My phone is broken and I swear I'm getting it fixed before I go see Red next month. She made me promise. Hahaha!
If money was no issue how many races would you try to do in a year? 8 or 9. I'm greedy.
Car, Truck, Van, or SUV? I actually drive a wagon. The HHR, which, will be paid off in 1 month! Woot!
Do you take part in any water sports ? I swam in high school and love swimming now. Other than running, it's what I enjoy most.
If your walking down the street and find a $100.00 bill what do you do with it? I would definitely see if anyone nearby dropped it. If not, I'm going straight to the mall. I may end up with running garb or a new LBD.
Favorite non sports related thing to do? Read.
Have Pets? Lloyd. He's an 11-year-old terrier mix and always makes me smile. Well, except for that whole needing to be taken out to pee at 4 AM.
Last movie you went to a theater to see? The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Whew! Ok, my tags are:

Pain is Nothing (I'm having trouble commenting on your blog. Try the pop up window, it fixed my commenting issues)

Smoke Training

Swim Bike Run DC

That Redheaded Sister

Shemmy shemmy shake shake

Now go forth and random away. I'll just be here, in taper madness Monday...

A Hallmark Moment

"It's not about how well you do...it's about how hard you try and what kind of a person you are. And there are many things we go through, and there are many things we will triumph over...and there will be times when you'll fall down. But there will be more times when you pull through. And you will find greatness in your life. And you will keep getting stronger every second of it."

I received these words on a card from my good, no, make that great friend Morgan. I feel that this is a perfect sentiment for me right now and I know it will ring true with a lot of you as well.

Life and racing really are about surviving and ultimately dealing with the highs and lows that are handed to you. How we deal with the lows truly exhibit the strength of character each one of us possess.

As I get closer to the Miami Marathon I'm reminding myself that it is just a race and while I want to do well, I also want to have fun and enjoy the ride. Which is ultimately, a perfect metaphor for living life.

Happy Friday friends. Enjoy the ride.