Finished.

It is finished. And man, am I glad to say those words! My body is tired and worn and I am looking forward to a few months of rest. I am not already searching for the next race.

78.6 race miles in 54 days.  The most grueling physical feat I have ever accomplished. Finished. Completed. And I couldn't have done it without you. The prayers, the cheers, the pledges, the hugs... I have some pretty awesome people in my life and I am so very thankful for each one of you.

And this, well, just this:

"Thanks for your marathons.  It is truly making a difference in the Ross Memorial, 

and therefore in the lives of hundreds of kids who could not otherwise come to camp. 

Eternally grateful, and Gayle continues to be the best camper recruiter ever!!!" 

-John Busch, director, Camp Lutherhoma

I have found many reasons to run in the years that I've been marathoning. And honestly, no amount of inspiration can get you a marathon finish. But it can get you through the hard bits and can give you encouragement in the midst of great discouragement that can present itself in the long months of training. Running for Camp Lutherhoma was an incredible benefit to me in attaining this huge goal.

What a joy to report that

$6,600
$7,000!

has been raised for the Gayle Ross Memorial Campership Fund!

I'm just a girl in a pair of tennis shoes who isn't afraid of a little mileage, I've got some great medals to show for those miles, but 

the GLORY is God's.

Thank you!!!

 Tales from Rocking the Route

I woke up the morning before the Route 66 Marathon with a cold.  Yuck. I felt pretty terrible. That evening was the fundraiser for our church's preschool. We went with friends (they let me drive their brand new beautiful Subaru) and had a great time. I made poor pre-race carb loading decisions, and stayed up too late. but I haven't laughed so hard in ages. It was good for the soul. Unfortunately, this is the only picture from the evening.

typically bad pre-race choices!

The nicest part of marathons at home is David! He took me up to his office (just down the street from the start) which afforded lovely views, and a clean, line free restroom. Somehow he managed to be at every tough spot on the course and encouraged me on to the next rendezvous, which was never very far. You can tell in the picture below that I am happy to see him! I would ask him things like, "Am I even moving forward?!" or would yell out things like, "@#$%, IT'S HOT!" All while blowing my nose in a tissue he provided. He just calmly, and reassuringly responded, while pocketing my used tissue. Now that is love.

This sweet firecracker worked with a team of Brownies (and her mom & big brother,too) at the mile 7 water stop, refilling and passing out water to all the runners. Thanks, Ivie! (James & Amber, too!)

With my finish at Tulsa, I entered the Marathon Maniacs Running Club.

My finish line supporters!

There were times in the race that I thought my hip would give out, and I wouldn't be able to finish. At just the right moment, a fellow racer came up from behind me and encouraged me with a few words. Having a "friend" to run with at a moment of isolation and discouragement was extremely uplifting. I would get to return the favor after we ran together for a few miles, and together we managed to complete the Center of the Universe Detour and a strong finish! I never learned her name, but I remember her bib number!

You want to run a marathon? YOU. CAN. DO. IT.  Need someone to cheer you on? Call me!

The End.

SPONSORS: If you made a pledge in my honor, please make sure to email me your mailing address so that I can send you an acknowledgment. If you don't receive acknowledgement from me, it means I don't know about your pledge, even if you have received a receipt from Camp Lutherhoma. THANK YOU!