Each Day Is a Gift

It think it is the other way around! You are the amazing one! You have so much to teach US! Thanks for being you and for being so great!

Oh Smoothie, please don't leave the blog. You are a big reason I keep blogging every now and then. I would miss reading your stories. But I know exaclty how you feel. Here's a virtual hug from me to you.

I think it is safe to say that there is not a single person on this blog that thinks you don't belong. What you have to offer goes far beyond running. You truly inspire others to be better people.

Toby, Dale and Andy are so so so right. You have more to offer than you can imagine. In all honesty, I do not know anyone who is more admired on this blog than you (and that has to do with so much more than your running talents). I am so sorry that you are feeling like this right now. That is one of the downfalls of being a runner: when you can't run the way you want to it causes a spiral of sad thoughts and emotions. (Fortunately the inverse is also true.)

I don't remember the specifics, but I do remember you feeling exhausted before and having your oxygen level read and it was dangerously low. Any chance you would be willing to even just go to the instacare so that you could get that read?

Ironically, right now as I am studying there is a song on in the background called, "No Air." Some of the lyrics are: "How am I suppose to live with no air?" And "It's so hard for me to breathe." Also, there is a line that says, "Got me out in the water so deep." (Reminds me of your very sad dream.)

I just want you to know that you are loved, you are appreciated, you are needed and you are as good as they get.

Well said, Teena!!!

Oh Smooth- You are such a positive voice on this blog. I always look forward to seeing how you're progressing and am impressed with how you always have "just the right thing" to say to others.

Please know how much you're appreciated!!

Don't ever get off the blog!!! I love reading your blog. I really enjoyed seeing you at the Riverton Half.

How are you feeling today?

Hang in there Ms. Smooth. This too shall pass. Get into your taper, get your head together and all the pieces will come together in 12 days at the starting line. The training os over.....and I know, you know what I mean!

Toby ~ THANKS for the kind words! You are one of the most multi-talented mothers I've ever known! I admire you so much! :)

Dale ~ Thanks for the virtual hug and sweet texts! Here's my hug back to you and to Amy. You inspire me to keep going and knowing that you'll be checking on me makes me think twice about leaving the blog! Thanks for your friendship!

Andy ~ I really appreciate your sincere kind words. It means the world to me! Really I feel that you guys are the ones that inspire me to be a better person.

QP ~ I love reading your blog. It always puts a smile on my face!

Nancy ~ the feeling is mutual. So many times over the last few years, I dreamed about joining you at the BBK run...just wish it was not SO EARLY. I was SO HAPPY I saw you at the Riverton Half where I met you and Duke for the first time 3 years ago! :)

Slick ~ thanks coach! Getting my head together is the hard part. I have never felt so unprepared for a marathon especially Boston. I guess I need to adjust my attitude and not think of it as a sufferfest but fun time running with hundreds of friends! :)

SSF ~ THANKS for checking on me! You are so right about the spiral of sad thoughts and emotions. I appreciate so much your friendship and caring. I guess that's the beauty of sharing the journey of this crazy sport together where we experience the ups and downs, the triumphs and the defeats, the joys and sorrows. Thank you for your understanding and pulling me out of my slump!

I'm SO glad you are feeling better today. I must admit I've been a bad blogger and haven't checked on people like I should - especially my favorite blogger of all: YOU!!! We all love you Smoothie, I seriously wouldn't do half the running I do if it wasn't for you - because I cherish our runs together more than you will ever know!!!

Rachel ~ thank you for saying those kind words. I do cherish our runs together. I was feeling sad and selfish thinking that since you are getting so fast and speedy and will continue to be faster while I'll get slower that we may not be running together any more. BUT, I am VERY HAPPY for you reaching your goals. You work harder than anyone I know. No pressure, but I'm excited to see you PR in all the distance races you're running this year and undoubtedly get your BQ. GO GET'EM Rachel! :):):):)

oh poo! I'll always run with you!! You've seen me struggle through those long runs when you are just as fast and chipper as always. Long runs are supposed to be slow! PLUS I would NEVER NEVER NEVER give up my PC run with you! It is my favorite full and I look forward to it every year! Time schmime. I just need one BQ, then I can have fun and relax :)

Although we've never met, I wanted to say that I really enjoy reading your blog. You have accomplished things that I aspire to (sub 4 marathon), so it is inspiring for me to read your training and race reports. You were also the first person to welcome me to the blog when I joined :)

Tina ~ thank you for the kind words. I read about your accomplishments and followed your training. I am 100% certain you will exceed your sub-4 marathon goal. You are a great runner with natural talents. Keep up the good work! Ogden here you come! :)