This marathon journey started 7 months ago!! I decided to sign up for St Jude Marathon in Memphis Tennessee because I thought this was the best reason to run, kids with cancer. It proved to motivate me for months, and carried me to the finish on race day. My running buddy Alia also decided that she would join me and train for her first marathon, it being the week after St Jude. During the training our friends the Bosanko family told us about a very close friend of theirs whose son had pediatric brain cancer. We felt a connection to this little boy, as our sons were his age and we shared a common friend. Jack is from Nebraska and we immediately shifted to "Team Jack." Around this time the word "Boston" was being mentioned. I wasnt sure if it would ever even be physically possible for me to run a "qualifying time" that would allow me to run the oldest and most prestigious marathon. However after talking to our running coach, Jon mapped each day. Each month he calculated the training that it would take to for me to run a Boston Qualifying marathon. And so the journey went. Each day running, each day thinking about "team jack" and St Jude, each day managing my home, husband, children, and work. The mornings were early! I would get the run done most mornings before the kids were awake, and didnt miss a long run on Saturday/Sunday morning for 7 months. God gave me strength and endurance. I would listen to praise music, chat with my friend Alia, and pray during each morning run. Many times a friend or family member would help watch the kids when the long runs were reaching 16,18, 20 miles. Anthony was a solid rock, and constant encouragement. He sacrificed too. Marathon training takes a TEAM. It is not me, or one person. It is long, hard, and exhausting. But together our team raised over $1000 for St Jude, brought awareness and support to "TEAM JACK". I witnessed a running buddy do awesome on her first marathon. Myself I reached my ultimate goal to qualify to run the Boston Marathon in 2014, by 15 seconds. Yes, my BQ time was sub 3 hrs and 40 minutes. I crossed the St Jude Marathon at 3hrs 39 minutes and 45 seconds. God made it obvious that he is a God that cares about the details. He cares about each prayer. He cares about each child, each family changed by pediatric cancer. God cares about 15 seconds. Glory to God. HE amazes me. Thank you to each one of you who supported me in this journey. I know you made a difference in my life, and so many lives of children. A sincere thank you.
"No child should die in the dawn of life." Amen.
My training coach and master mind of this all is Jon, (and Jesus.). Jon and I talked many times. He emailed me my "splits." These were the paces I had to hit each mile to qualify for Boston. I carried this with me the entire race, checked it every few miles.
Early in the race, a beautiful sunny morning. Eeek, hot.
Several times in the race you would run over a timing pad, this is how every one could track me during the race!!
Anthony was able to bring the kids to three different places early on during the race. I was sure to hand out high fives for the best fans ever!!!
Mid race. Focused.
At 20 miles, executing the plan.
The last six miles were brutal. Beyond words tough. Hills/inclines/access ramps. Blood/sweat/tears.
Just taking it step by step. Giving it my all. It was hot. I hurt.
The last .2 miles. Entering the baseball stadium.
Realizing I had less than one minute to qualify for Boston.........
Go Mommy, do your best!!!!! Run, Mommy!!!
I was thinking about these four people many times during that 26.2 miles.......
Finally, 7 months or training, many ups and downs, and Team Jack did it!
Praying for children with cancer, and thankful for the support and awareness for Team Jack AND St Jude!
WE are going to Boston!!!!!! Glory to God. Thank you Jesus!
