Like I do with half marathons, I have decided to write my ‘list’ of those to whom I would like to dedicate my miles. So here is my list of those who will carry me to the end of one of my most difficult challenges in life.

Mile 1 – for Kiernan & Team K-Man – We’ve totally got this!

Mile 2 – for Kristi, hoping she has more pain-free days than not!!! Love you, chica!

Mile 3 – for Nikki’s Voice and their relentless efforts to be the first assisted marathoner in the Cayman Islands

Mile 4 – for Team Patrick who works so hard to raise awareness about Lewy Body Dementia

Mile 5 – for Krista Donnelly, who lost her battle to cancer last year

Mile 6 – for Marley, a sweet amazing Bermuda special rescue dog. Marley crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 10/10 after battling an aggressive form of cancer. Thinking of him and his ‘mom’ at this difficult time. Miss you, Marley!

Mile 7 – for all my friends, family and random strangers I’ve met who took an interest in my running efforts (or at least pretended to be interested!). Thank you!

Mile 8 – for those runners who are sidelined due to injury. You’ll be back out soon enough!

Mile 9 – for Meg, Scott and all the inspirational people in MegsMiles! Scott, I will be scouting the aid stations per your instructions!

Mile 10 – for Whitney, for her bravery as she kicks cancer’s a$$.

Mile 11 – for those I know who have battled and beat breast cancer (Aunt Sue, Aunt Carol, Lisa and so many others)

Mile 12 – The Blue Mile to remember our Fallen Heroes, including Michael Lawlor

Mile 13 – for the families of our men & women in the service. They give up so much, too!

 

Mile 14 – for Nick & Twyla, the partners of Team KMan!

Mile 15 – for Solophile (Rachel DuBois) who has inspired me for 19 years now, since the day I met her hiking on the Appalachian Trail

Mile 16 – for everyone else who is rocking races this weekend! Congratulations!

Mile 17 – for HS friend Sean, who lives a life of service for his country, which now includes a recent reenlistment in the Marine Corps

Mile 18 – for my nephew Aaren, Captain Awesome, and his runner, Mackenzie!

Mile 19 – for my incredible niece Lilli, one of the great sibling heroes!

Mile 20 – for Mrs Linda Gardner, who lost her battle with ALS in February

Mile 21 – for Gina, Hank & their family, amazingly selfless ALS caregivers and some of the best human beings I know

Mile 22 – to raise awareness about the 22 activity duty service members and veterans who decide to end their life each day. Please talk to someone and get the help you need. Learn more about this problem through the group Platoon 22 or in this great article about the work they do.

Mile 23 – for my sole sisters who have been there for me and helped me believe I am capable

Mile 24 – Brooke & Jojo – may Jojo’s pawprints always be on your heart

Mile 25 – for all those who have donated to my efforts to raise money for the Humane Society of Tulsa in memory of Mrs. Gardner

Mile 26 – for Chris, my wonderful supportive husband who has helped me reach this amazing distance and effort. I love you very much!!

Mile 26.2 – for ME in honour of all the long, hot, sweaty, difficult training miles that went into making this run possible, the feeling of knowing that I am afraid of this challenge yet still taking it on anyway, and for my ability to conquer my self-doubt about whether I am for this challenge. I will see YOU at the finish line!

 

Many thanks to all who have supported me in my journey. I’m nervous, but I’m ready. Bring it, Marine Corps Marathon!

And I’ll be sure to share my race recap and photos afterwards.