Marathon madness...

My daughter Erin began running while she was attending grad school as a way to relieve herself from the rigors of studying and to define herself as a strong woman. Besides living away from the comfort of home for the first time she found herself questioning her own strength as a strong woman.

Running gave her the time to focus on herself and a way to escape from the rigors of study. She has not stopped running... in 5 years!! She continues to run and build strength and character. I remember so clearly when the two of us began participating in local 5k runs; for fun... Soon she was running the 10k runs; placing very high in her age group. Next up was her first full marathon! I ran the 5k portion and then met up with The Fireguy (her Poppa Bear) on our bikes and we tracked her down on the course. We paced her to the finish line; giving her positive support and telling jokes and stories to pass the time. I can recall vividly looking over at her... she was running with her eyes closed! I found that so odd, but she had gone to another place... a place that enabled her to complete her first marathon!

Erin has completed two marathons since then and we have been right there to provide support and experience the jubilation with her at the finish line.

Tomorrow Erin begins her attempt at joining the elite group of "MARATHON MANIACS":


To qualify for this 'club' you must complete one of several HIGHLY difficult criteria; Erin has chosen to complete in back to back marathons. She will compete in the Lake Tahoe Marathon tomorrow:

then compete in the Sacramento Cowtown marathon next weekend!!!! :

Although I have no doubt in my mind of her strength to complete these marathons AND qualify for elite membership in MARATHON MANIACS, I am saddened that we are unable to be there to revel in the glorious celebrations!! As life does sometimes, we have conflicts that keep us from being with her at the finish line.

Erin, you know that Poppa Bear & I will be with you in spirit and sending SO much strength and positive vibes!!! Also kidlet, know that we WILL be there when you cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon in 2010!!! You Go Girl!!! You Can Do This!!!!!!!

P.S. Good luck to Erin's Prince Charming as he completes his second 1/2 marathon!!!