Less than 12 hours to the start of the marathon as I type this. I wish I could say that I was super excited, but the truth is, I'm terrified. I keep thinking, "What if I don't finish?" because everybody knows about this. I can't hide it if I don't finish. Everyone will know I failed.
Today was a really rough day. I was so tempted to just pack up and go home. My kids were driving me CRAZY with the fighting, and the whining, and the "I'm tired!" and "I'm hungry!" and "I don't want to go there!" and all that.
We took the kids to the Brown's stadium for the kids fun run at 11. My kids have never done a race before, and they were really nervous about it. I had to bribe them in order to get them to agree to the race. It was organized into age groups, which was nice--Eli ran with the 4-6 years olds (100 yards) and Noah ran with the 7-8 year olds (1/4 mile, one lap around the football field).
The 4-6 year olds at the starting line |
Then it was Noah's turn. Again, a LOT of kids--but his age group was divided into boys and girls, so it was a little easier to spot him. I got choked up as I watched--he was one of the last kids (probably about 4-5 kids behind him), but he never broke stride or anything. He just kept going, and then he sprinted at the very end and passed a bunch of kids. I was surprised he had any energy left--usually kids will sprint from the start on their first race, and then have to walk it in. I kept reminding Noah to start slow ;)
With their medals after the race |
We run for COOKIES!! |
We went to the expo before dinner.
Jessica and me |
Good thing I'm a fan of tuna. We also got a t-shirt for pledging to ride our bikes more often. I bought a few things, too. I got some Gu for tomorrow (I found the Chocolate Mint flavor I've been looking everywhere for), and two new stickers for my car. The one I have on there now says, "13.1 miles 'cause I'm only HALF-crazy". But that won't be relevant after tomorrow, so I am going to replace it with a regular old 13.1 sticker. And then I got a 26.2 one that says, "26.2 miles. Been there. Run that."
I really like the race shirts we got. The color is awesome!! And there is a cool guitar on the back...
When I saw my bib, the whole thing got very real and scary. Like, I'm actually going to run a marathon tomorrow. Twenty-six point fucking two miles. Who DOES THAT?!
My kids have lots of confidence in me :) They made me these signs when they stayed the night at my parents' house on Thursday...
Eli sounded out "Katie", obviously; that's a cookie, and water bottle, and me holding a water bottle. And flowers. He said the blue thing in the middle was a tear drop--not sure what that is about! |
Noah, promoting Runs for Cookies ;) |
You can do it! I've done two and was not in nearly as good shape as you are. You will possibly cry at the end, which makes running hard, but its so emotional crossing the finish line. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can definitley do it!! You've trained hard and you will finish. Don't worry, no one will think you're a failure if you don't finish but you will finish so that's a moot point. Good Luck!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can do this Katie, we are all behind you 100%! You have trained a long time for this and you body is prepared. Now just get your mind to think positive thoughts of crossing that finish line. You got this girl!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you!! It's going to be great. Even if it's hot and your knee hurts, and you are completely miserable the whole time, it's STILL going to be great, because you're going to finish a MARATHON and it will be totally worth it. Stick to your walk/run plan, and START SLOW!! You are more than ready. Can't wait to hear about it!! (also that shirt is awesome). Also also, mint chocolate gu is amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteMan I am so excited! You are going to be amazing Katie :) Love the signs that your kids made, awesome stuff.
ReplyDeleteJust think Dory from Finding Nemo: just keep running, just keep running! We're all cheering for you :)
Also, I read your blog with your voice as a NZ accent (not logical, but just the way it goes lol), so funny to hear your actual accent :P
Love the shirt! Really cool. You hot this girl! Go kick this marathons ass!
ReplyDeleteYou got this-I really need to proof read!
DeleteYou got this-I really need to proof read!
DeleteYou are going to do amazing! I'm super excited for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to do great!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you and know you can do it! You have trained so hard and have already proven that you are a fighter! We are all behind you, and I am sure every single person who is positing today will be thinking about you tomorrow! Good luck and YOU GOT IT GIRL! I can't wait til tomorrow night to read all about it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you! Stay strong and run for you - not for us. We'll follow you regardless! You are such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to do great tomorrow. We are all cheering you on in spirit tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you! I know you'll do great tomorrow!
ReplyDeletekick butt!!!
ReplyDeleteKatie, you cannot fail! Training for 18 weeks -- staying strong -- staying consistent -- showing UP! You've succeeded already. I can't help but think that the vast majority of people who utter the phrase, "I'm going to run a marathon" never get anywhere near as far as you've gotten already. Crossing the finish line, while fantastic, seems less of the point to me.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you today when I was selling at the farmers market in Columbus. There was a tall very slim young woman there. She had no bulges, smooth as a steel pipe. But at the same time, she was just not that attractive. She had few curves, and was almost sort of freakishly adolescent. I thought that you (AND I :D) with our charming idiosyncratic flaws are much more attractive, more appealing.
I'll be sending good vibes all day tomorrow (and tonight, that you sleep well). You are a winner already.
Joan
I've never commented before, but I've been reading for a while. I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK! You've got a lot of people rooting for you, and while that may make you more nervous just know that you can't disappoint us. You're an inspiration and the fact that you signed up for this is more than a lot of people will ever do. Try to get some rest and once again, GOOD LUCK!!
ReplyDeleteI am sooooooooooo excited for you! I have a 10k here in MI tomorrow, so I'm nervous about the weather too, but knowing you're doing this AMAZING feat will keep me going. You're such an inspiration and I'm seriously so excited for you and can't wait to hear(read) all about it! You have such a great support system cheering you on. AND Jessica will be with you (literally) every step of the way. You've said it a million times, but you guys help each other when you need it and always seem to make it through. Tomorrow is no different. Good Luck!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!! I have never commented on here, but you are truely inspiring! I hope you have an amazing experience and I can not wait to read about it!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck tomorrow!! We all know you will rock it :)
ReplyDeleteKatie you are AMAZING! I am cheering you on all they way from Oregon, WooHoo! Have a great run and happy wishes for you!
ReplyDelete-Renee
Good luck tomorrow! You will do amazing! You have inspired so many people. Happy Running, can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Katie! You will do great!
ReplyDeleteYou can so it! Lol that made me think of your out takes from your Spark People video. Anyway! You'll do great. I'll be praying for safe conditions and a good experience. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can so it! Lol that made me think of your out takes from your Spark People video. Anyway! You'll do great. I'll be praying for safe conditions and a good experience. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can so it! Lol that made me think of your out takes from your Spark People video. Anyway! You'll do great. I'll be praying for safe conditions and a good experience. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteYour video made me tear up. I totally understand your fears and worries. Though know this, you are ready! When it's time for you to dig deep, you will find it and you will own it. We are very proud of you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Katie! You can see you will have a lot of readers cheering you on remotely tomorrow morning. Feel that and take us all across the finish line with you! You can do it and I will be sending cool weather vibes your way!
ReplyDeleteGo go go! You will be awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteGo, Katie, Go! You will totally ROCK the marathon! You have trained and prepared. It sounds like one of those life events a person never feels really totally ready for. But, then you do it and realize you were ready! You have worked so hard. You will not fail. Failing is never trying. You are trying and you are going to give it all you can. No matter what the outcome, the fact is you have tried and therefore, you are successful. Sending prayers for your knee and the heat! Can't wait for you to put that sticker on your jeep and to read all about your marathon!
ReplyDeleteI'm cheering you on!! YaY!!! Can't wait to read the post telling us all about your marathon!! Best of luck!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou got this, Katie!! I'll be thinking of & praying for you, can't wait to read all about it! :_
ReplyDeleteGood luck tomorrow! With your determination, I have no doubt you will finish! Enjoy the whole experience!! Can't wait to read your post marathon blogs! :) I'll be cheering you on from Colorado!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, Katie!! You can do it!!!
ReplyDeleteDESYACV2: good luck with everything. I know you can do it, can't wait to hear all about it :). praying that is a nice weather and that your knee don't give you any problems.....
ReplyDeleteI loved hearing how you're feeling. I hope you'll do an after-the-race video too because I can only imagine the happiness oozing from every word you might utter :) You're going to have an incredibly powerful day tomorrow. I can't wait to hear about how amazing it felt when you crossed the finish line (because even though YOU have doubts about your abilities none of US do! We KNOW you've got this!!!)
ReplyDeleteCheering you on!
~Ang
YAY! You should do videos more often. :) I cannot wait to hear how this goes!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you said "FIRST marathon!" You kept saying "first and LAST" but I have a feeling, with your competitive nature, you're not done! I wish you the best and I can not wait to hear all about it!! That video made me tear up! You seemed to get a little emotional, too, and I can only imagine what crossing that finish line will feel like! You are awesome and you and Jessica both GOT THIS!!
ReplyDeletei hope you have fun today :) good luck.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Katie!!
ReplyDeleteI am auteur running by now and maybe with the time difference you are already done, you will kill it! And on a side note, your kids are adorable!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Katie!! I live in Cleveland so I have been monitoring the forecast and telling my husband about you! ;) I don't know you but I'm rooting for you, no doubt! Slow and steady wins the race, right?!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read about your experience. I have no doubt that you'll finish strong! You are a total inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear how it went. I know you did awesome! Sorry the kids were stressing you out. My kids were doing that last weekend, on Mother's Day and it was a sucky day. I asked them why they can't quit acting like turds and fighting with each other for one day so I can have a break. Kids. I enjoyed watching the video of you and getting to hear you. I hate the heat also, and every time I run lately it's hot and I feel like I do so terrible that it makes me not even want to run.
ReplyDeleteI read your other post about the shirts, and I just have to say I think you look great in all of them. Seriously. Sometimes I wonder if people who have lost a lot of weight will always see themselves a certain way. I sometimes still feel like I am huge, and while I still have a good amount of weight to lose, and I am not THAT big anymore. I was in a wedding this weekend and cried at home when I tried on my dress because I thought I looked awful. When I saw the pictures from the wedding, I didn't think I looked that bad, and I wonder if my brain just doesn't see what's there sometimes.
By the time you read this, you will already have FINISHED!!! Katie, I just know you are going to do awesome - your fears and nerves are so normal and I feel for you! I wish there was some way that we could do all of this without those feelings but like you said -- after today you will be a MARATHONER!! - something you have worked SO HARD for, and deserve!
ReplyDeleteCheers to you!
Melisa
beginfromhere.wordpress.com
Good luck!! I am sure you will do awesome!!
ReplyDeleteYay Katie! Today's the day! Good luck! You can do this!
ReplyDeleteWoke up this morning and realized that you were running right then... then went to check to see if you were done yet on the cleveland marathon site, but realized I don't know your last name.. which is totally fine lol. Lots of Katies running today! Can't wait to hear that you finished!
ReplyDeleteYou can search the site by her bib number (see pic in her post). :)
DeleteWishing you all the success in the world, Katie. Do it for yourself. Not anyone else. Look how far you've come. You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteKatie!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you for doing this!!! You have been such an inspiration to me and so many others. I feel like i've really gotten to know you through your blog and when i watched your video i just wanted to give you a hug and say "YOU GOT THIS!!!"
You are going to finish this race...you may already have as i am writing this post!
You make me believe that someday i too will run a marathon and that even with the preparation you've done you are still scared makes me a little relieved that i'm not alone when i get nervous before races.
I cannot wait to read your post tonight!!!
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!
Katie! You can do this. Just like so many others have said, you are an inspiration to me. I have started my journey this year and your blog has more than kept me going. I understand your anxiety - I kind of feel it even on short distances - the scary voice in my head questioning whether I can do this or not.
ReplyDeleteYou CAN do this! You will do this! You rock!!
Can't wait to read your race report!! GO KATIE!!
Thinking of you, but you're all done by now. So proud of you especially because I know how hard you trained and you've admitted you don't really love running. I could use some of your determination. Go Katie GO!!
ReplyDeleteBeen tracking your progress on the Cleveland marathon site...now it say's you've finished!!! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteJust checked online and it shows you finished!!!! I knew you would!! CONGRATS!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS, KATIE! Cross another thing off your bucket list! You are A-MAZ-ING!
ReplyDeleteI am DYING!!! Can't wait to read your post marathon post (thats a lot of "posts") =).
ReplyDeleteSuper excited for you.
Oh Good Luck! I hope it wasn't too hot!!!
ReplyDeleteWhohoo!!!!! Go go GO!!! So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI know you accomplished this! I know you were scared but you have this! I hope you are proud of how far you have come! Think about the first 5k you just WALKED the whole thing! You are amazing and an inspiration to all of your readers! Way to go Katie!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to read your marathon recap! I cheated and looked at the race results and saw that you finished... so I can go ahead and say AMAZING! :D
ReplyDeleteI just checked and saw you finished and I'm SO proud of you!! You did terrific!! I hope it was a blast and can't wait to read all about it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYAY! Congrats Katie!! Marathoner!!! :)
I usually read you blog thru the daily email. In fact, I find my motivation at 415am as I read your post from the day prior and smell the coffee brew. Today is different though! I have stopped more than once to check the blog....today I am sitting in hopeful anticipation that you have already posted. Yes, I am anxious and excited for YOU. You are my daily dose of inspiration and I am excited to hear that YOU DID IT. No doubts...just ready to read the play by play :) Just know that you are stinkin' amazing and better than a cup of Bigelow Coconut Hot Tea in my book.
ReplyDeleteDYING to hear how it went!! : )
ReplyDeleteHey Katie!!! Way to go finishing the marathon!! I'm so proud to have met you and run with you. You are a huge inspiration and it was an honor. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Katie! I tracked your run the whole way. I couldn't believe how involved I was. That is certainly a testimonial to how inspirational you are.
ReplyDeleteWallow in your wonderful accomplishments, you deserve it!
YOU DID IT KATIE !!!! I've always know you would .... you are that kind of girl :)
ReplyDeleteCould not be prouder or happier for you !!!! Can't wait to hear all the details :)
Blessings, happiness and a million smiles Katie !
Kimberly
Glad to see the posting updates from people! I've had your page open all day hoping to see. Can't wait for your post. You make me look forward to my run tomorrow morning. : )
ReplyDeleteJoan
The shirt is awsome! Can't wait to read your post about the race :D
ReplyDeleteI'm working backwards from today..just watched the video (love it!) And yes, you are a marathoner now! Congratulations again!
ReplyDeleteDede
Oh my god, the little "runsforcookies.com" KILLED me. Too cute!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your video. I've never seen a 'pre-marathon' video before. It is a great idea. Since I know I will never run a marathon, you are the closest thing I will get to understanding the experience.
ReplyDelete--Love the posters.