Twenty-Six Reasons

Twenty-six reasons that I will run 26.2 miles. These are the things that I will think on when my mind and my body want to quit this Sunday.

And then - I will not quit.

(1) a boyfriend who quietly agrees to come out to the start line, he doesn't know why it's important to me...only that it is

(2) two friends who ran many miles with me in the past six months, listening to my stories as we explored Austin's neighborhoods and sharing theirs

(3) a father's love that, while flawed at times, is still completely perfect

(4) co-workers whose talent carries the burdens of the whole office...and then some

(5) 12th row Matchbox Twenty tickets in two weeks

(6) a friend, without whom I would not have finished marathon #1, temporarily sidelined and working towards a full recovery

(7) a mother whose strength knows no limit

(8) the beaming smile of a student sharing a good report and the joy found in sharing her joy

(9) a drink with my brother and the realization that he has become my friend...maybe one of my best

(10) a friend willing to let me make my own mistakes and determined to stand by me through every one...and then pour me a drink

(11) a personal trainer who is my motivation when I have none, who is upset when I do not make good decisions, who pushes me when I want to give up, and who is more ecstatic than I am when I succeed

(12) a sister-in-law who adds value...poised, intelligent, beautiful, with the skill to put up with the yahoo family she married into

(13) my first running coach, without whom I would never have run a marathon, ridden a bike, competed in a triathlon, or learned the important skill of running while intoxicated

(14) a friend with the best timed emails, she somehow manages to share encouragement or insight at the exact moment it is needed

(15) the anticipation of a well-deserved vacation

(16) a good dj and a crowded dance floor

(17) a friend who I can call at any hour, invite to any event, and tell any story

(18) strangers who will cheer for me on the course...who I do not know now and will not know when the race is said and done, but who for those 26.2 miles - will be everything

(19) my bitches

(20) the distance I've come since my training started in September

(21) a chiropractor who is nothing short of a miracle-worker, making sure I am pain-free on Sunday

(22) the opportunity to become a marathoner, to challenge myself, to set myself apart

(23) the group of friends that doesn't need a reason to be together, that enjoys rowdy evenings and late nights, that refuses to rest until everyone has a drink in their hand

(24) a friend who teaches me the importance of positive words, who will toast with me anytime - there is always an occasion

(25) a friend who has always asked me the tough questions...because she isn't afraid of the answers, she knows she will love me regardless

(26) the opportunity to be one of 13,000 runners hoping to make it from start to finish - with the city of Austin behind us!