Wow, one month away from the big day! This morning I laid in bed visualizing of all the things I will be doing and feeling on November 7th. I got mammoth sized butterflies in the pit of my stomach just thinking about it. I imagine I will have a flood of emotions. I will try to act tough, put on my game face, and convince myself it is just another race, even though I know deep down, it means more to me than just any old race. I will be dressing and fueling myself for the big battle, waving and kissing loved ones goodbye, and loading a bus out to the Verazzano-Narrows bridge.

Regardless of the outcome in NYC, I am enjoying the process. Knowing that I have poured my heart and soul into the training makes me nostalgic and sad that it is going to end. Three months of preparation and in a few hours it is over. The hardest training I have ever encountered will be met with the most challenging race of my life. For two and a half hours my heart will be displayed on the streets of NYC. This makes me nervous, determined, afraid, and excited. What if I don't get the chance to show all this work? What if I just have an off day? What if I cant push through the heavy legs and pain? What if I don't have what it takes? All these "What ifs"! I want so badly to run well. My team and I have invested so much and I want perform for all the people who have supported me through this dream. 

Instead of focusing on all the things I can't control, I am enjoying the moments in front of me. The marathon is going to be an amazing journey and I get the chance to write the ending. I grew up believing that once you completed a marathon it was as if you had been sworn into a secret society. A society of runners who become sisters and brothers, bonded by blisters, chaffing, dehydration, cramping and intense pain! We will have endured the same rigorous path together. I am eager to cross the finish line in Central Park and celebrate with 40,000+ new brothers and sisters!