From 233 days to only 8 more days!

When I first started the "countdown" for the marathon there were 233 days. It seemed like a long way away. It has gone fairly fast in some ways, but slow in others. I've gone through a lot physically, emotionally, and spiritually over the past 4 months especially. It has been a difficult journey, but thanks to God and wonderful, supportive friends and family (that's you Aunt Gail!!), I am doing OK. At first I was hoping to have someone to run with, but now am glad that I will be doing it myself - just me and God. There will be hundreds of other people around me - but this marathon is symbolic of my life this year. It's been full of ups and downs and I felt like giving up on my dream of doing the marathon. But, giving up is not in my vocabulary.... I'm far too stubborn.... I mean DETERMINED! I'm overwhelmed with emotion just writing this and am sure I will shed many tears as I'm running and walking next Sunday. I'm grateful, even for the hard times because I've learned so much and everything has worked to make me into the person I am today.