two weeks and counting

Fourteen days. 

Marathon Monday is in fourteen days.

And at risk of jinxing myself, I actually feel ready. Whatever that means. 

I'm not sure I would ever say I'm "ready" to run 26.2 miles. I think very few non-professional runners would. But I feel like this go 'round I've prepared as sufficiently as I can and much better than my previous two marathons. 

I've put in the blood, sweat and tears. Really, I've experienced all three.

I've put in the miles. Since my training officially commenced on December 8th, I have run 343.72 miles - and plan to add 30 miles, give or take, to that number before race day. I ran two 20 milers this time, which I've never done before {and let's be honest, I was wondering what crazy person thought that was a good idea when I headed out the door last Saturday for the second}. But it was a great decision as far as my mental preparedness is concerned.

I've trained on hills. So. Many. Hills. And I've improved more than I could ever have imagined on those hills. I know that training will be worth it when Heartbreak presents itself, which I was finally able to see as I drove to Boston last week for Leah's Rett appointment. Also good for mental preparation.

I've run in sub zero temps, ice, rain, snow, wind and overall blah and bleak winter weather. 

Together with Ryan and so many friends and family members, we have raised $10,000 for Rett syndrome research. 

And so, in two weeks, I'll line up in Hopkinton and give it my all until I cross the finish line in Copley Square. Because that's what Leah does every day - she gives it her all. I don't know what will happen on Marathon Monday - so much is out of my control. But I do know I've put in the work and I feel ready. 

So, ready or not, Boston, here I come. 

 {I love this pic from my 18 miler in early March. Usually the speed sign doesn't even know I exist. It just sits there, black and blank, taunting me. But that day, apparently I was going fast enough for it to give me the time of day.}