Tunnel Vision Marathon

Last night, I played this song below for Anna, Taylor, and Jason—and got a little teary as I told them that today’s marathon would be dedicated to them. The first third was for Jason, the second for Anna, and the final stretch for Taylor.

I love running with intentions. They give me focus especially when things get hard. 

The first half of the race felt amazing—smooth, strong, steady. Then, just past halfway, things started to tighten up. By the final third, I found myself remembering Taylor’s words from our hike on Dragontail Peak two weeks ago: Just watch my feet. Don’t look too far ahead or down the slope. One step at a time.

So, I did my best to stay in the mile I was in. Step by step, breath by breath. And when I crossed the finish line, I was smiling—grateful, grounded, VERY happy to be done, and (bonus!) 2nd place in my age division.

https://youtu.be/0cKV8_MKsMw?si=q0DdHOufMbhofqr3

Sunlight fell and reminded me that life can be

So gracious sometimes

And I felt like everything around me

Was connected somehow

At night I hear the rhythm of the ocean

As it breaks on the shore

And I think about all the things that

I am grateful for

And they say, "Hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you"

And they say, "Hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through"

Sometimes I get a little bit еmotional when

I see love unfold

Two hearts bound by rеflections of the memories

They'll forever hold

And they say, "Hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you"

And they say, "Hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through"

There are blessings all around you

Open up your eyes

Feel the sunlight fall upon you

Let it free your mind

There are blessings all around you

Take a step outside

Let your heart shine in a new light

See it come alive

And they say, "Hold on to the ones you love

Keep 'em close to you"

And they say, "Hold on to this time we have

And let the light shine through" 

doesn't get much better than this than to wake up to notes in the hallway from Anna and Taylor

marathon cup 

crew of friends I rode with to the start line 

(Anne and her daughter Maggie along with Maegan and her daughter Paige) 

just a couple minutes before the start (and giving this WW running bra a second use after it got me through the Chicago marathon in 2023). 

almost through the tunnel after two miles of running through the tunnel at the very start of the race 

at mile 16 where Jason and Anna were blowing bubbles and cheering 

so awesome to have Anna run with me for a minute 

at the finish! 

(right after Jason took this photo, he joined in and the three of us crossed the finish line together 💙💗) 

We got to visit Taylor at work on our way home - so fun to get a hug from him! 

Open this on Instagram to see this hilarious montage that describes my stages of the marathon almost to a tee: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJuuKOiPZh1/?igsh=MTkzczBjajk0aTNqeQ%3D%3D