Marathon Countdown

Only 9 days remain until Ray and I run 26.2 miles in Anchorage, Alaska. The Mayor's Marathon awaits our arrival @ 8:00 am on June 18th. It is a beautiful run. We will pass by forests, creeks, inlets, majestic mountains and probably a little wildlife (ie. all the runners out there.) : )

Last week, for our training run, we drove to Anchorage and ran the last 6.2 miles of the marathon course, so we know what to expect at the end of the run. Of course there is a hill at mile 25. The good thing is, I love hills. I really do. It is all about attitude and when you make it to the top, the satisfaction of such an accomplishment is worth the effort.

So, as I've taken some time to reflect on my 18 week marathon training, I have learned a few things that I would like to share.

-Goals are essential to our personal development/improvement. They keep us committed and consistent in our "training" programs.

-Writing your goals down and having a 'vision' is critical to success.

-Morning runs put me in a good mood for the day! When we accomplish our exercise in the early hours, there is no excuse for saying.."I don't have time in my day to exercise." It's already done and you feel great. I never thought I'd be a morning runner. But, now I love it!

Now on to my marathon mantras/quotes that I have written down and posted on the frig the past few months to remind me how we can achieve great things in this life.........

-"Believe you can and you're half way there" -Theodore Roosevelt

-Slow and steady wins the race.

-"Be not afraid, only believe."

-"Be of good cheer and do not fear." D&C 68:6

-"Patience and I will give you success." Alma 26:27

-With God, nothing is impossible.

-In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things

Run and not be weary... walk and not faint

My God hath been my support

I am prepared and have no need to fear

"Hope brings calm influence" -Elder Robbins

Do your best and forget the rest.

"The future is as bright as your faith." -Pres. Monson

"When we have a vision of what we can become, our desire and our power to act increase enormously." -Elder Dallin H. Oaks

It really in about believing in who we are to become. I am grateful for the privilege we have to progress in this life. I am grateful for my family that has encouraged me to press forward in this endeavor. Just knowing that they believe I can cross the finish line gives me the courage to literally endure to the end.

Yours prayers are greatly appreciated in behalf of Ray and I feeling well before and during this event. I truly want to enjoy the experience. Thank you for cheering us on.

Let us all press on!

Love,

Kary