Team Tony

Today I finished my 2nd half marathon!  Being that this marathon was to benefit the LIVEstrong campaign, my inspiration not only for signing up, but for training and finishing, was my cousin Tony.  He has truly been an inspiration to all of us through the last year and PRAISE GOD that his PET scan came out totally clear last week - no cancer!

Running a half marathon is a big deal for me. I was never even close to being an athlete when I was younger and have always been self defeating about athletics in general.  Running is as much a mental and spiritual endeavor as it is a physical one for me.

So indulge me for a little while I share some of this experience with you.

Start line - excited, nervous... The first song I hear in my marathon mix - "indescribable, uncontainable, Awestruck we fall to our knees and we say, You are amazing God..."  How appropriate considering the miracle we had just witnessed with Tony's remission!

Mile 5 - Cruisin' at a good speed, listening/singing to the "Eye of the Tiger" loudly...

Mile 7 - Getting cheered by cousins Tessie and Breana!  What a special treat!

Mile 8/9 - What the F have I gotten myself into?  I'm gonna puke... well at least i've gotten through the big hills

Mile 10 - Running through the forest and along the water into Port Angeles, Gorgeous!

Mile 11 - working. through. pain.  marathon mix = "all of my super fly ladies, Rock. That. Bo-dy."

Mile 12.5 - Almost there, I can do it!  current song, "with every breath I take, I'll give thanks to God above and testify to love"

Mile 13.1 - Tessie and Breana cheering again, the announcer calls my name.  Tears of joy (and pain!) for the big accomplishment, but mostly for Tony's healing.

After I finished somebody asked me, "where is the rest of your team?" "They're at home taking care of business and I'm just here to represent!"

A big shout out to my trainers, Naomi and Dwayne, for pushing me hard and believing in me!  I'd also like to thank Tessie and Breana for waking up early in the morning to cheer me on.  It was so special and a wonderful treat!