Warm Fuzzies with 5 days remaining.

I had the pleasure of meeting another local gal (Hager City) on Monday night & actually running with her before we both go to Boston next Monday. Her name is Amy Engnes & she's a super talented, speedy, little woman who can kick my butt in a foot race! We're going to meet up at the Expo on Sunday where I'll meet another runner from Hudson who's in my wave & then we'll hopefully see each other around the finish line as well. On our run we didn't stop talking once, not even on the steep Ellsworth hill running by the English Lutheran Church. Ha! What a blessing it has been to have met her & get some insight into what to do/not to do with regard to Boston, since this is her second trip there. I'm excited to have met her & for running together in the future as well.

Additionally, I want to thank everyone for your outpouring of love shown to me in these final few days before Boston. Thank you for the encouraging phone calls, emails, for the "good luck," the marathon questions, the gifts, and the "we're proud of you" comments. I've been feeling overwhelmed with the kindness and encouragement and I hope to do you all proud.

Yesterday morning, my boss, Mr. Stoesz, pulled all of our staff together to send me off and it touched my heart so much. I'm so thankful to work with such wonderful teachers & staff here at Ellsworth High School. They put together a care package of water, Nuun tablets, GU, a running magazine, and a pile of chocolates. It was so thoughtful and I was speechless at the sweet gesture and that they all took time out to get together & support me.

Another friend stopped in and gave me a card, telling me there was money inside for me to get myself a "treat" upon completion; which she suggested a commemorative charm, or something that I'll be able to keep & hold on to.

To all those who've reached out with encouragement, I just want you to know that it all means a great deal to me and on April 20th, I'll be thinking of all of you and feeling grateful for this life. Love you guys and thanks so much for caring.

Now if ya'll could just do me one last favor & pray that the forecast gets just a bit better...