I had too much going on Saturday so I had to move my long run to Sunday morning.  I was up at 6:30 a.m. and ready to hit the road.  I had several things in my favor for this run so I had a feeling it would be a better day.  The main thing is that Paul would be out on the road with me trying to work out his knee.  Then, my precious friend Christine (aka Hardcore) left me a voice mail Friday telling me that she was praying for me (and she has no idea how much I needed those prayers that day).  My mom was finally home from her 2^nd week long stay at the hospital and last but not least, Paul bought me a new pair of running shoes.  How could this run go wrong with so much going right?

Before we started our run, Paul and I talked about the best way for me to complete a 26 mile run.  I had to admit to myself a few weeks ago that I will not be able to run for 26 straight miles and I know I have trouble stopping and starting on my runs.  I had to start practicing this NOW.  So, I set out with my new margarita Shot Bloks and a plan.  I was able to easily alternate running 20 minutes/walking 5 minutes and I continued this for somewhere around 18 miles.  I ate a Shot Blok and drank a good bit of Gatorade at one hour intervals and I was good for another 10 or so miles but in the interest of time, I had to call it a morning and head home.  It was a decent run and I was pleased with it.  I’ve pretty much decided what I’ll be wearing on race day and I found a fanny pack that’s been working very nicely (I don’t think it will hold cherries though!)

Later that day my father in law told me I had guts for doing this.  Thank you for saying that Mr Jimmy but I don’t feel like that at all.  I feel like I’m losing the fight but if I can help one child WIN their fight, then all of this will be worth it.  Troy was so excited to tell Paul and I that his company’s donation to Blake and Team Running on Faith helped us reach our team goal of $10,000.  What an incredible journey it’s been!

I am ready for Marathon week-end to get here.  I’m tired of training and I’m ready to see what my brain and legs can do.  This will be the first time I’ve crossed a finish line and Paul was not there waiting on me.  The tables have turned, I will be there waiting on him this time!

This is Flash and I am running on faith that our teammates will remain “healthy” and we’ll all make it Memphis, run our races and meet our personal goals!