Toeing the Line in 10 Days

Last weekend, our next-to-last training run, saw us split into two units for the first time since training began, with Ross running with the Bright Pink group at the Lakefront and Joy running closer to home at the gym. Thankfully, what was posted as a 13.1 mile run turned out to be a 2-hour timed run—so, all you can get in that time-frame.

For Ross, cool temps and the threat of rain proved to be a great motivator—especially when the rain started to fall with about 20 minutes left in the run. He ended up running the last 1.5 miles considerably faster than his now-usual pace.

Joy split her run into two one-hour runs—one of the great things about tapering is that you can pick and choose how you get your run in, as long as you're doing something—and managed to get it done even though the training is definitely taking a toll.

Then on Saturday night, we hosted a fundraising event at Silvie's Lounge. See video from that event here.

And on Monday, Bright Pink hosted us for a Spa Night. Which our legs and feet really, really enjoyed.

Now that we're tapering pre-race, things have settled down a teensy bit on the time management front. As every coach predicted, there's too much time to think. And while we're happy the physical toll has diminished somewhat—but only somewhat—the mental strain is beginning to show. Things we have too much time to think about:

"How many days until the race?"

"We only have four more training runs before the marathon!"

"Holy crap! Do I have everything I need?"

"OMG, what's the weather going to be like?"

"Uh-oh...my knee is creaky today...."

"We only have to run 45 more miles and we'll be totally and completely done! ... Wait? What???"

What began in January with Ross offering, "Hey, Joy.... Um.... Since we're in pretty decent shape and registration is Monday, I'm going to sign up for the Chicago Marathon this year. If you'd like to run with me, that'd be great. But if you don't, that's totally cool, too. Completely up to you."

"Well," she likes to say, "since you're going to be waking me up at ridiculous hours all summer long, I may as well run with you."

A couple of weeks later, Joy went to an informational meeting for Team Bright Pink, and we were on our way. Though training didn't begin until the end of May, here are a couple of stats we're proud of:

• As of this writing, we've run more than 425 miles since training began

• Of greater importance to us, and thanks to the stunning generosity of nearly 80 members of our circle of family and friends, we're probably going to raise more than $7,000 for Bright Pink

That fundraising number, to us, is mind-boggling.

We are so grateful for the encouraging words of support, the incredulous words of "I could never do that" (yes, you totally could), the financial support, and everything that goes with it. Thanks to all of you.