With a Little Help From My Friends…

“Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you too can become great.”- Mark Twain quotes

I signed up for the Lincoln half-marathon after a six mile run yesterday and and eight mile run today with the encouragement and love of the amazing friends in my life.  Admittedly, I have no doubt that I can complete the 13.1 miles on race day, but I have 14 weeks of training and some races in between now and then that will prove this a challenging effort.  Anyone who has done a long race knows the discipline both mentally and physically it takes to complete a race of that distance.  Like anything worth doing in life, this event will be tough but worth it all.  The next 14 weeks will prepare my body for the race but will also subject me to fatigue of mind and body, possible injuries, aching muscles, sore joints, bad runs, and undoubtedly moments where I question the decision to run it in the first place!  But my army of friends, my amazing network of support will stand me up in those moments and remind me that I can and that they will be there every step of the way. 

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I was reminded recently, by one of those amazing friends, the importance of having a support system and a network you can count on through the good and the bad.  A network of people outside your family, who support you, make you stronger, encourage you, train with you, nudge when you need it, hold you and wipe away tears when they fall, inspire you on days when you just don’t know how you can keep going, and ultimately just love you no matter what.  I am so very lucky to have that here in town and elsewhere that keep me focused, strong, and positive.  I have running buddies, my running family the Mud Mafia, friends here in town, across the country, and abroad who serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to me as I lace up my shoes or even just face a new day. 

So……to my support system and sources of inspiration, I thank you, I value you, I love the irreplaceable spot you hold in my life and in my heart.  This race is for all of you because without you it just wouldn’t be possible. 

Love,

Carrie