Well, you win some and you lose some. You have good days and bad. Sometimes things go right according to plan and sometimes it seems they deviate as much as possible from said plan. That's life. I'm learning.

For those who wonder, yesterday's race was a 'not according to plan' experience; in short, I knew my goal time was toast about mile 6 as unwanted muscle cramps became my side-kick for the next 20 miles. And yes, I finished cause I was too stubborn and frustrated not too, but that's not much consolation after 4 months of training. However, I suppose that now I have that much more resolve to redeem myself in the future, for this hopefully won't be my last marathon (although I distinctly remember telling myself about mile 10 that this was on the list of the dumbest things I've ever done). So on to the next race...

Race disappointment aside, the weekend was not a total bust. Great family adventure time, a few unexpected surprises, and certainly came home with stories to tell. And despite the soreness, I continue to enjoy a strong healthy body that many are not blessed with.

Many thanks of course to the support crew: family, friends, and coaches alike. You know who you are. Special kudoos to DonMark, who ran beside me for the last 6 miles ("this is the last hill?"). We'll have him entered in the Half in no time.

Two pairs of shoes…check
Race clothes…check
Rain jacket, sweat pants & gloves…check
Blue bandana…check
Advil…check
Race confirmation and maps…check
Sunglasses…check
Gels and gummi bears…check
GPS, watch & batteries…check
Gatorade and water…check
Unpredictable weather…check
15,000 crazy people…check
Nickson cheering squad (+ canines)…check, check

Ok, let’s do this thing…

6 days. That's all. Not a week. Not 'coming up soon' or 'it'll be here before you know it'. It is here in just 6 days.

6 days until six months of work will all come down to a short span of 4 hours (plus a little). It'll be sink or swim, meet the goal or fall short, win the mind game or lose it. Survive the hills, deal with the weather, endure the wall, and rely on adrenaline and sheer desire & determination when there's nothing left. And then in a split second, along about mile 23, you'll know if it was enough. You'll know if you trained enough, prepared enough, challenged enough, fought hard enough. You'll know if it was worth it.

Daunting. Ready. Doubting. Excited. Rested? (What exactly does 'rested' entail?!) Thankful. Unsure. Not wanting to disappoint. Strengthened. Nervous. Determined. Questioning. Encouraged. Relieved. Scared to death.

But hopeful. Very hopeful.