one week!!!!

So the big day is ONE WEEK away! Last week, I received my confirmation email, which defintely made me nervous and AHH, but honestly, I am overall super excited! I know the morning of will be super crazy and nerve wrecking, but I know I've done everything I could leading up to now. Of course I have goals and hopes for how it will go, but I can't worry about not hitting those marks. Rather than seeing Sunday as the end of a journey, I hope it will just be a part of the journey. Thinking of it that way makes it exciting, rather than (super) scary.

Running has honestly made me a very thankful person, and rightfully so. I don't mean to sound cheezy, but it's true. I've "struggled" (I use that word loosely) with being alone with myself on longer runs. I've asked many runners I look up to what they think about during this time and many say that after a while, they just don't. I'm definitely not there. I've noticed an incredible trend in my thoughts though. I have found myself time and time again thinking how thankful I am for so-and-so for encouragement, advice, tips, running with me, sharing music, donating to the Hole in the Wall Camps in honor of my race, lending or buying me gear. I am already so excited to see some of these very supporters along the course next week. I know it is because of this that I am feeling so great about next weekend.

Here is some helpful information for those coming out on the predicated BEAUTIFUL day to enjoy the weather, listen to some music (see course map below for band locations), and scream like a maniac when I stroll by. The race begins at 8AM, with staggered starts. I'm guessing I'll actually cross the start line between 8:20-8:30, but that's just my guess! My incredibly supportive parents, roommate, and boyfriend will all be signed up to receive updates of my location, so if you'd like to know my whereabouts, they'd be good people to talk to! If you're out supporting a fellow runner, feel free to give me a SCREAM!

Here is the course map, parking information for Center City, and the event's website. Also, well worth the few minutes it will take to read - Sindy sent this to me as a guide for spectators and I thought it was really helpful. Check it out! Out of towners should be able to see some good stuff online, including, it sounds like, my finish line face (which I am still perfecting).

If you have any questions, please please let me know! Have an awesome week!