I'm a HAPPY Girl!

I have been praying for a scholarship to a half marathon for about two weeks, since it first became available.  Today, I got word that the scholarship was received.  I was scared, and elated all at once!

Most people can do a three point one mile run/walk (a 5K).  It takes a whole new level of personal dedication to pull thirteen miles.  All at once, in the same day, thirteen miles.  That is like running to another city, and then coming home.  I can run six miles without too much pain, but this is double.

I downloaded my free training guide.  Woah.  http://www.running-programs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/12-Week-Half-Marathon-Race-Training-4-Day_-Experienced.pdf.  I have my work cut out for me!  I am going to do a bit more than they recommend, but that is because I don't want to come in last place wheezing on a stretcher.  I want to come in with the top 25%.  I am ambitious, and nuts.

So why is this race so important to me?  Because when Mom died, I wanted to her to go with me for the rest of my journey.  Every race, and every mile, I wanted her to run with me.  Every page of my book, every blog entry on this page is meant as an honor and tribute.  She made me, and I will run because she couldn't.

When I feel my legs start to hurt, I remember her voice, saying, "whatever you do, just finish."  I know she meant it for the book I am working on, but this applies to racing as well.  She would want me to finish strong.  She wouldn't want someone to turn in a "half-baked" effort.

She was a teacher for a lot of her life, and her students loved that she was tough on them.  I wasn't in the "loved that she was tough" group.  I thought she could have left that part of her at school. But I never, ever wanted to disappoint her.  I still don't.  Mistakes and all, I want her to be remembered.

I will run for the Mom that told me to "keep practicing" my solo's.
I will run for the Mom that told me, "you need to get better grades."
I will run for the Mom that told me, "I know you are going to get this if you keep going."
I will run for the Mom that told me, "Never give up."

So on that note, I will wrap up this post.  I have three miles to run.  Have a blessed and HAPPY day.

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