For Fun

I laughed a bit yesterday as Wendy and I zipped through the first 1/2 of our 20 miler. I laughed because it occurred to me that we were running 20 miles for fun. And we weren't necessarily running at a leisurely (for us) pace, either.

We had our map...


Can you see that? I wrote the course on my arm in sharpie. Super high tech.

We even passed two groups training for Vancouver as well. It was hard to get the smile off my face! Not because we were passing them, but because we were all out there doing the same thing. Working towards the same goal. I LOVED it!

9:15
9:06
9:08
9:05
9:16
9:19
9:15
8:57
9:21
9:25

The course was absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous! We ran along. Mile after mile passing crazy fast. Neither of us felt like we were pushing it and I'm wondering if it's because we were so used to running the hills. We were on flat ground at this point and felt amazing!

Around mile 13 I was ready for a change of scenery... or someone to pass. Thankfully, change wasn't too far away and we started getting back into "town" again. Up a bridge, up another hill, steadily climbing up more.

By mile 16 my legs were tired and my mind was getting weaker. I started telling myself, "what's 30 more seconds to your time. Just walk. You might be able to get some energy if you do." My legs were heavy and there I did it. I walked.

9:18
9:31
9:36
9:35
9:42
9:52
10:29

I walked.

The thing of it is, this was the farthest either Wendy or I had EVER gone without stopping. No stopping at lights. No walking while eating our fuel. We ran that entire way. And we had NEVER gone that far!

I'll take that victory!

We were now in familiar territory. Fort Vancouver. It really is beautiful there. As we neared mile 18 I realized my water was almost gone. I was so incredibly thirsty and knew I needed to find a drinking fountain. Thankfully, just down the path we saw one. We stopped. Filled our bottles. Gagged down my shot blocks (not kidding. I had the hardest time swallowing them and just about puked!) And off we went.

Kind of.

If you could have been there, you would have laughed your head off.

We did.

As we tried to start running, our bodies were so stiff that we looked like a couple of crazy old ladies that had been on the horse way too long. We doubled over in laughter as we tried to find our groove.

9:43
9:54
9:45

When we planned our route, we thought that we would be able to hit 20 right on. We even thought we might need to make up a little bit at the end. We did not plan on finishing and still having to walk another mile to the car.

But, we did.

As we walked, I had no idea what to do with myself. My legs hurt terribly and I didn't know if I should sit or stand. Walk or stretch. Laugh or cry...

"Wendy, I really want to hold your hand right now!"

All I wanted was my husband or my mom. All I wanted was to curl up in a fetal position and cry. All I wanted was to be comforted. I hurt.

No hand to hold, but thankfully, an incredible friend to laugh with.

I was still sore this morning, but all I can do is celebrate what a great run we had. We ran faster and farther than we ever had before. We felt great up until the last 5 miles. The course was amazingly beautiful. I was running with a treasured friend.

And, when I came home, I discovered a new friend. A trophy, really. Ready??



Yeah. Isn't that pretty??

Looking forward to tapering and killing that race in 3 weeks!

I'm Crazy

It's true.

I am.

Completely crazy.

I think that's how I ended up choosing to birth 3 children - 1 without an epidural.

I think that's why I cried as we left the hospital after the birth of our firstborn. Crying because it was over. Telling my husband I couldn't wait to do it again.

I think that's why I thought the birth of my 2nd was the coolest thing ever - his birth was so quick that I didn't get an epidural until I was 8 cm and by the time they were done giving it to me, he was crowning. So, basically, I had him with no epidural. And, crazy enough, I thought it was the coolest thing ever to be able to feel my body doing exactly what it was supposed to do.

And although I would have told you that there was no way I could handle having any more kids after my sweet, higher maintenance, second born, a surprise pregnancy #3 had me headed into induction wanting NO drugs. I wanted the same experience as with #2. Unfortunately, I had a nurse that kept asking, "are you sure you don't want an epidural???" Made me feel like it must be bad and I gave in. Bummer :( Maybe that's like asking someone at mile 24 if they'd like a ride to the finish line?

So, when I was pregnant with #4, I knew it would be my last pregnancy. I knew I would never get to be in labor again. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that I did NOT want an epidural. I made sure to let the nurse know and not once did she ever ask if I wanted one after that.

Even though the pain is unlike anything I have ever experienced, I chose to go drug free. I looked forward to each and every labor.

I told you.

I'm crazy.

I think that's why I'm looking forward to tomorrow. It's my last 20 mile run before the marathon. We are going to run on the race course and I feel like I'm a giddy school girl today.

Crazy.

What makes me feel extra crazy is the fact that my mind will not stop. After Sunday's 20, I was sure I wouldn't want to put myself through such torture again. That I was a "one and done" type of marathoner.

Then, came Monday. My muscles weren't sore. My body felt great. It was as if I had never even tortured my body on Sunday. Really? What's a few hours of pain if I'm going to feel great the next day?? And, I don't even have bloody nipples to contend with like after the birth of a child. Funny, it's the men running marathons that have to worry about that :)

Then, Wednesday came and I ran an awesome 6 miles. Then, an even better 6 miler yesterday. And now, here I sit, waiting, ready to go. Stinkin' excited.

I'm crazy.

I feel like I'm losing my mind.

The thing is, if I didn't run, I probably would lose my ever lovin' mind. I love my babes, but this week I've really been wondering how people with more than 5 do it?? I feel like I'm drowning in laundry, homework, laundry, baseball, dirty toilets, cooking dinners, laundry, egg eating chickens, laundry, a constipated dog that got spayed last Friday and is supposed to have "limited" exercise, a sick husband, grieving for the end of marriages, grieving for friends that have lost loved ones, praying for my brother and his family, oh and did I mention laundry???

Losin' it.

Then, as I was running yesterday I heard the song, "Thank You", by 33 Miles. With a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat, I smiled. I smiled and I thanked the Lord for all of it.

What if in the morning when I wake up
Even before I fill my coffee cup
I said thank you
thank you

What if i looked at the day and the hours ahead
and before I moved forward I bowed my head
I said thank you
oh, i said thank you

what if i looked at my life in a different way
took a little more time to stop and pray
i know it would change all the moments in between
so here i go

thank you for everything
thank you for loving me
it don't even matter what tomorrow brings
well i will sing my

thank you for sun and rain
for what you give and take away
for all your goodness i will always say
thank you
oh, i said thank you

what if i lost everything that i had
i could smile and somehow still be glad
and say thank you
thank you

cause life is joy life is pain
but the prayer of my heart will never change
i say thank you
oh, i say thank you

what if i looked at my life in a different way
took a little more time to stop and pray
i know it would change all the moments in between
so here i go

thank you for everything
thank for loving me
it don't even matter what tomorrow brings
well i will sing my

thank you for sun and rain
for what you give and take away
for all your goodness i will always say
thank you

well i will sing my
thank you for everything
thank you for loving me
it don't even matter what tomorrow brings
well i will sing my

thank you for sun and rain
for what you give and take away
for all your goodness i will always say (i will always)
for all your goodness i will always say-ay-ay-ay
thank you

So, with a deep breath. With a prayer. I thank the Lord for my crazy. I thank the Lord for running. I thank the Lord for loving me.

Then, I look forward to another 20 mile run :)

20 - 2nd Verse

Thankfully, unlike the song, "Henry the 8th", the 2nd verse was not the same as the 1st.

This morning's 20 was so much better than last time. I made sure to eat (although I didn't want to)...

Note to race day self: Get up earlier. 6:05 wake up does not get me out the door by 6:40 to pick up friend and start running by 7:00. Need. More. Time.

Clip toenails.

Make coffee.

Make breakfast - cream of rice.

Dress in race day favorite option.

Don't forget the anti-chafing product of choice! Buttshield!

Pack ready.

Watch on.

Dang stomach!! Head to the bathroom to try AGAIN!! Unsuccessful. Made me nervous.

Off I go.

I picked Wendy up and we headed off to our starting point.

This one felt so different from the start. I felt good. I felt optimistic. I felt realistic. We went along, the miles passing by. At just over 6 I realized that I hadn't taken my shot blocks yet! Crap! I was so excited that we had not had to stop at any lights yet and I just wanted to keep moving!

We were trying to figure out just exactly how we would make up about 1/2 mile that we would be short. Finally, we just decided to do an out and back - so glad we did!

The route is great. Pretty hilly, but great. There were only a couple hills that made my belly flip flop, but we killed 'em and I know hills are so good for us!

Mile 16 and Wendy's not feeling so great. We stop so she can call her husband to meet us at mile 16.5.

Mile 17 - "Meredith!!!" I turn around to see Wendy coming towards me. She decided that with just over 3 to go, she was going to tough it out. I was so proud of her!

Mile 18 and I am seriously in awe of the fact that we haven't had to stop at ANY stop lights!!! NONE!! And that, truly, is amazing since we run through lots of them on this route.

Just before mile 19 I choose to walk up a little hill so I can push it on the last mile. Even with the little walk I was still feeling okay and was so glad to have not hit a wall. Amazing how much better I felt this run!

20 miles - 3:15. 9:45 average pace.

So much better!

I didn't cry this time. I didn't feel like I was in labor when I got to the car. I didn't feel anything like I did last time. I could smile. I could laugh. I could stretch. It was so good.

And in my rational, just got done with a good run mind, I told myself and Wendy, "Yeah. I know race day will really let me know, but, I think one marathon will be good for me."

The thing is, marathon training is hard. 20 mile training runs are still 20 miles. I still have 6.2 more to go. There is NOTHING easy about it. It isn't JUST 20. Or JUST 26.2. It's just not.

As we finished with a 9:45 pace, I know that we can take it a bit faster come race day, but, I don't know how much more I'll have. I was pushing it at the end today. Pushing. I felt like I was going all out. The average for the last mile?? 9:38.

20 miles is still 20 miles.

As I ran today, I realized something. When you're nearing the top of a hill, it's not the best time to decide if you are going to stop and walk. It's not. Because, your body is going to tell you to stop. But, when you get to the top, take some deep breaths, and you can do it. No need to stop. You've got it! I kept telling myself I could do it today. Encouraging myself. My body really did feel great - until the right quad starting knotting up in the last mile. Today, it was all in my head. All mental training.

As we finished up, I couldn't help but smile. I felt triumphant. I had conquered 20! I still can't believe there's 6.2 more!

But, as I said on dailymile, I'm choosing to trust the experts even though my mind cannot even begin to comprehend how my body will run 6.2 more when I've never even come close.

Crazy!

And, because I'm goofy like that, here's my serious face. Okay. I don't do serious. But, you couldn't see my crusted saltiness as well when I was smiling...



And, unless I find a top to top this, here's my race day outfit...


Happy Sunday! Hope you had a great weekend!

Renewed

I called Julie a couple of weeks ago...

"What is wrong with me? I'm tired. I have nothing. My runs are hard. Is it just because I'm stressed? Spending so much time crying over my brother's cancer and time in the ICU? Is it because I'm tired? Burnt out? Is it just what I get to go through while marathon training?? I don't like this. I think I'll just do one."

I then wrote this. Definitely feeling more confidence. Feeling the little push I needed. And then...

Then.

Last week happened.

It was a cut back week. Three easy 8 mile runs. I was looking forward to it. What I love about weeks like this is that they allow for flexibility. They don't need to happen on a specific day (in my opinion). I love this!

Monday, Cory got home from work early. I headed out for what would be one of my best runs in a long time. It was beautiful. I felt great. I pushed over the hills and ended with an 8:48 average. I smiled the whole time and even got honked at twice. Of course, when I heard the honks, I figured it was from fellow runners. When I saw that it was high school boys, I figured they were honking at the poor old lady on the side of the road. Then, I remembered this post from Neurosis of The Stay At Home Marathoner of 3. Can you guess what I was worried about then?? :)

Regardless, it was an amazing run that lifted my spirits.

Then, Wednesday came. I was supposed to run 8 miler #2. Instead, I chose to do laundry, clean my house and even SCRUB my nasty shower. And no, that doesn't just get to get lumped into the "cleaning the house" category. Scrubbing the shower is a category of it's own. A category that I loathe. Something I rarely do. And can I just tell you that I'm still walking into my bathroom to admire my shower?? Needless to say, 8 miles did not happen.

No worries. There's always Thursday.

Thursday came and I enjoyed 8 miles on the treadmill. Rather, I endured 7 miles and enjoyed 1. I made myself go slow. It was supposed to be an easy run. All I wanted to do was bump up the speed. Don't worry. I didn't. As I ran, I thought about the importance of every run. Every purpose. Slow runs. Long runs. Fast runs. All serve a purpose and all are truly wonderful. I made myself take it easy for 7 and then, with 1 to go, I told myself I could go as fast as my stocky legs could carry me on the treadmill. I decided during that run that running is much like other things in life... for those of you that already know what I equated it to, don't worry. I won't share here :)

Friday was spent working in the yard for over 12 hours. Digging holes. Hauling dirt. Squatting. Planting. It was heavenly.

Saturday was supposed to be another 8 miles. But, I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck and we had baseball at 8:15. Sunday would be better. No worries. 8 before church? No problem!

More yard work after the game. Hanging out with friends that night. Heavenly.

Sunday morning I heard the pitter patter of Mr. B's feet. "When are you going to get up?? I'm hungry! Can you make pancakes???"

I was still sore. I was tired. I was enjoying snuggles with my hubs and my boy. I chose, snuggles and blueberry pancakes over 8 miles.

Last week logged only 16 miles.

A year ago, the runner in me would have been crabby about that. A year ago, the runner in me would have thought I was doomed.

This year, I know that 8 miles will not make or break me. I have no regrets about choosing pancakes, snuggles and yard work over running. None.

I enjoyed a great 6 miles on the mill on Monday.

And yesterday, when my sweet hubs couldn't sleep and left at 5:30 a.m. I woke up, spent some time with Jesus and thought, "hey, this isn't so bad! I could totally get up early tomorrow and go for a run!"

However, sweet hubs had been awake since 3:30. And when we went to bed last night, there was NO way I was going to ask him to set the alarm for 5:30 so I could run. No way.

Thankfully. Yes, thankfully, I was woke up at 5:35 with terrible cramps. Remember this post?? Well, I think my body is going to cooperate. But, it's been unpredictable and you really never can tell. But, this morning, I welcomed it with open arms. Seriously.

It woke me up and I figured, I could choose to lay in bed, think about how I should be running and focusing on my cramps. OR I could choose to just get dressed and go.

I chose to pop some ibuprofen and go!

Gorgeous morning.

Headed to the track.

How I LOVE the track!!

7 miles. And shoot, why not try a tempo run for fun. I know I said no repeats and no tempos, but I'm done upping my mileage. Nothing new until race day. I agreed with myself that I would pay attention. Seriously doubting that I could keep the 8:35 tempo pace for 5 miles. Not really caring. Just wanting to give it what I could.

1/2 mile in I looked at my watch. 7:57! Whoops. Pull in the reins!!

Mile 1: 8:58
Mile 2: 8:29
Mile 3: 8:29 - this is too easy.
Mile 4: 8:20 - still.
Mile 5: 8:17 - still.
Mile 6: 7:28! - that's more like it!
Mile 7: 8:20

And that 7:28? That wasn't all out. I didn't even feel like puking. It just felt good.

Oh track, I love you!

Oh God, you are amazing!!!! What a beautiful morning you made!

Oh body, you may feel bloated and disgusting, but man oh man, thanks for the surprise this morning!!

Last week is what I needed. This mornings run is what I needed. I am so stinkin' excited for Sunday's 20!

Don't Miss It!

I've talked a lot of the Girlfriend's 1/2 Marathon in Vancouver, WA.

A lot.

But, really, it's what motivated me to get running in the first place... well, that and my girlfriends!

I will forever love this race!

Don't miss out on the chance to run it too!!

I received an email this morning that said that registration is almost closed!!

If you want to start running, if you already love to run, if you want to be a part of an amazing race, SIGN UP!!

If you aren't running right now and are wanting to get started, I would love to guide you through it. Just shoot me an email.

If you're running just a little and want to do more. I'd love to motivate you there too! Just let me know!

Hurry, quick, run!! Sign up today!!

Happy Mother's Day

I rolled over just before 6:00 and thought about lacing up and going for a quick run before my sweet hubs had to leave for work.

Then, I rolled back over.

I'm already at 34 miles for the week which is quite high for me. Not wanting to hurt myself, I stayed in bed and chose to sleep in. Until...

Just before 7:00 I heard the pitter patter of little feet.

"Mom, when are you going to get up?? Hmmmph!"

As he crawls into my bed,

"Why do you want Mommy to get up? It's Mother Day. I'm supposed to get to sleep in."

"Because I want to give you your Mother's Day card!!"

How in the world do you argue with that?

I walked out to the family room and Caden immediately greeted me with a smile, a hug and a "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!"

He gave me my present. A book of poems. Page 1...

Meredith

Loving, caring, sweet, stubborn
Mother of Caden, Jackson, Ella, Brenton
and Cole
Loves to run, play the computer and swim,
Who feels warm, comfortable, cozy when
she is with family.
Who is afraid of snakes, spiders and
sharks,
Who would love to see Disneyland, the
Boston Marathon, and a sunny day.

Sweet boy has his Mama pegged.

And with that I knew.

I knew that I could do it. I knew I could run my marathon.

I've been finding my confidence this weekend. Scouring blogs. Reading of their first 14's, 16's, 18's and 20's. Reading their thoughts - that are the same as mine.

Finding comfort in posts that say, "one and done". Posts that talk of rolling over in the middle of the night and aching. Posts that let me know that I'm not alone in my self-doubt and fear. I'm not the first person to post such words. Nor will I be the last.

Caden's poem sealed the deal.

I am stubborn.

I love to run.

And, while I don't know that I have the desire to push hard enough to run Boston, I do know that I'm a fighter and I CAN do this!

6 weeks.

6 weeks of pushing myself towards that finish line.

6 weeks of blood, sweat and I'm sure, some tears.

6 weeks of putting it out there. Embracing the pain. Getting it done.

6 weeks.

Bring it on!!

Skunk

As I ran down my favorite hill during today's 16 miler, I smiled.

I smiled because I got the freshest scent. A smell that brings me back to my childhood. A smell that many might not appreciate. A smell that made me think of the title of this post.

Skunk.

Cabbage, that is!

As I ran down the hill, by the beautiful creek, I inhaled and the smell consumed me. I. Loved. It.

We used to live near a creek and we would spend many days as kids building forts, looking for treasures and yes, even trying to "swim" in that little creek. The smell of skunk cabbage makes me smile and it made that mile fly by.

Funny, it also sums up my run...

Stinky.

Hard.

A run that definitely did NOT build confidence.

However, it was a good run. It was still 16. Regardless of the difficulty. But, 16 is my favorite and I was hoping for another "easy" run.

To be fair to my favorite mileage, I did choose for it to be hard. I could have chosen flat. I could have chosen easy. Instead, I chose the hardest route that I could think of. A route that had plenty of hills. A route that would push me.

I chose.

I chose an out and back from my house that kicks my rear.

I chose.

And, yes, it kicked my rear.

And, even though I chose, I'm still worried. Worried that I won't be able to finish on race day. Worried that I won't want to do it again. And, if I was really being honest, worried that I am going to be thoroughly disappointed with myself come race day.

Right now, I feel like calling and emailing all my running friends. I want to ask them, did they feel like this? Am I alone in all this self doubt? Please tell me I'm not.

How did you feel 6 weeks out from your 1st marathon?

Dazed And Confused

I was looking forward to an easy 3 mile recovery run yesterday. 3 sounded relaxing. Recharging. Wonderful.

I thought I'd double check my schedule and my jaw just about hit the floor when I saw what it said...

8 MILES!!

8.

Holy cow.

That's not an easy 3.

The days of easy 3 mile recovery runs are over for now. Yes. They. Are.

I look at my Mondays and they are filled with 8, 8, 4, 6 and FINALLY 2 just weeks before my race. It overwhelms me just a bit.

I'm sure it doesn't help that I've been walking around dazed and confused. Tears flowing without warning. So many thoughts occupying my mind. Did I do this?? Did I do that?? I have no idea...

Yesterday, I sucked it up. I did what any crazy, exhausted runner would do. I changed, laced up and went to get my I-pod.

It was dead.

Crap.

Suck. It. Up.

I grabbed the phones (waiting for a call from my mom) and started running.

Okay.

I got this.

8 miles.

Legs heavy.

Eyes heavy.

Just about seeing stars.

Maybe this will make me feel better.

Maybe this will refresh me.

I am not feeling refreshed.

7 more.

6 more.

Come on, Mere!

The phone rang at 2.6.

Saved by the bell.

No news.

Hang up.

Then, an angel.

The phone rings again...

"Please tell me it's okay if I don't run 8 today. Please tell me it's okay! Please tell me that I can rearrange. Please!"

Oh, sweet Julie. She told me to stop. It would be okay. I would be okay. My training would be okay. I wasn't going to screw it up. We went over my schedule. I'll try again today.

I felt the weight lift from my shoulders.

Deep breath.

Aah.

Runner's World had a great article on when to rest, relax and recharge this month. And, yes, I did in fact read it. But, there was the crazy runner girl in me who thought that maybe, just maybe, it would recharge me to run. Crazy girl. I had so many strikes against me. I should have known better.

Today I'm feeling less dazed.

Today I'm shooting for that 8.

My I-pod is charged.

My goal is in sight.

I can and will do this!

Thank you for your kind words yesterday!! They mean the world to me and feel like hugs coming from afar. And boy do I love my hugs :)

Our Legs

I have always strongly disliked my legs. In my opinion, they are more like boy legs than girls legs. My calves are large, my thighs are thick. They are not long. They are not lanky. They are, however, strong and sturdy.

My legs have gotten me through many miles. Many. Miles.

On Saturday, they went farther than they have ever gone. They were tired from the start. Tired from a day of crying. Dehydrated, I'm sure.

I spent most of Friday crying. Crying so much that when I kissed my kids that night, Jack took a look at me and said, "Mom, you look REALLY tired!"

Friday morning, we found out that my brother has pneumonia. Friday morning, things were not looking good at all. Friday morning, we faced many realities.

Saturday morning I picked Wendy up a little after 6:30. We were to run 20 together. 20!!

We started and, honestly, by 2 miles in I knew it wasn't good to be an "easy" run. I was already tired and tried to convince myself that it was just taking me a bit to warm up.

While the miles went by, I was so thankful to be running with Wendy. It had been awhile since we had ran together and it was so good to catch up and "rest" in each others company. Love you Wendy!

Wendy was in charge of the route and it really was a pretty run - minus the 5 miles out and back 164th! We ran along, up hills and down, and I was reminded that I haven't run on many hills in quite a while. My thighs were talking to me. I was tired!

By mile 13 we were walking through drink and fuel stops. The legs were heavy and I was telling myself, "ONLY 7 more!! You can do this!! We can do this!!" In my head, I was singing, "I can do most anything through Christ who strengthens me!! I can climb a mountain when I'm 4, even 3!! I just have to put my heart and mind straight to the test. With Jesus and determination, I can do my best! Do my best!! With Jesus as my strength I'll do my best He'll do the rest!!"

Mile 15. "Five more!! We've got this!!"

Right before mile 19 my stomach cramped big time. I just about doubled over and instead we started to walk. We walked to the stoplight and waited for the light to turn green. At that point, I placed my toes up on the light post to stretch my cramped calves. Before I could even think about it, tears sprang to my eyes. I hurt terribly and felt like the idiot girl crying on the side of the road. Doubt was creeping in.

We finished the last mile. Running. Pushing. I've got this. Wendy just a bit ahead. Pushing. Done.

Back at the car we stretched a bit and head home. I seriously felt like I was in labor. That is how much I hurt. I looked at Wendy, "I don't want to! How can I? 6.2 more??" How???

Got home, took a quick shower, compression tights and sweats on and headed out the door for Jack's baseball game. I ached like I never had before. I had taken ibuprofen and it wasn't touching it.

Before we left I noticed that my mom had called. I asked Cory why she had called. "You're brother's in the hospital."

My mind reeled. My heart ached. I called my mom. I called my friends. I was going to leave that afternoon to see him. My dear friends would drive over with me. Instead, I ended up hopping on a plane and off I went.

Chris asked me why I was there when I walked into his room, "I had to tell you I love you!"

He asked how my marathon was. I told him I hadn't done it yet. But, that I had just run 20 that morning for him. He asked how I got there. My mom told him I ran :)

Those 24 hours were filled with many gifts. Blessings from God. But, one that I will cherish, is one that will carry me far...

Our legs.

I was rubbing my brother's foot and glanced at his legs sticking out from his covers. His calves. So strong. They looked just like mine! It was confirmed. I do have boy legs. I have my brother's legs! Albeit much less hair :) His legs. His legs are strong. My legs are strong. His legs have gotten him far. My legs will get me far.

His legs.

My legs.

Our legs.

In that moment, I knew I could do it. With God and our legs, we've got this! Our legs are strong and they will get me through each mile. I will cherish these legs. I will be thankful for these legs. I will always love these legs.