My support team

I wish I could explain how crucial it was for me to have such a strong support team throughout this training and racing process. This might be my best training advice -- yeah, the runs are important, and eating is important, and stretching is important, but the MOST important thing for me was having people who believed I could do this on the days where I wasn't entirely sure. 

My parents, of course, were instrumental in this process. They were supportive from the get go, even though the first question my mom asked me was, "Did you ask Dr. Balog [my rheumatologist] if this was okay?" Having them at the race with me was the biggest motivator I could have had, because I knew when I finished, I had people there waiting for me. If you're training, make sure someone is at the finish line (or maybe next to you). I don't think I could have done this without their presence. 

Beyond that, though, you need other people too. You need people who will ask you about your training (to keep you accountable), people you can talk to about your training (because you'll have stuff to say), and people you won't talk to AT ALL about training and running (because your brain requires a break. Oh, yeah, and, you have other interests and stuff). 

And if you can swing it, try to surround yourself with things that inspire you and make you be more positive. Count on that support team -- even when they're people you haven't met yet. Support is so crucial to getting through this process with a smile on your face. 

Here is just one example of the many, MANY people who supported me: 

My Jazzercise students on the southside gave me a whole bag of peanut butter goodies before I left for the trip. Also in the bag were a set of small wands. I decided I was going to need an extra push during the race, so I tucked one of them in to my iPod case. When I wasn't sure I could do it, I looked at the wand and remembered I was running for all of them too. So, here I am, at the finish line. I've just spotted my dad, and am reaching out to wave to him. But, notice what I have in my hand? iPod complete with magic wand! (Do not judge the sweat or the look on my tired face.) 

I can safely say I literally don't know what I would have done without all the support. Whether you said something, or sent me good vibes, or stayed awake until 3 a.m. to text me good luck, I'm grateful for your support.