Thankful Thursdays – 26.2 Miles of Love

He is an awesome man and I can’t wait to tell you more about him!

Alas it is Thankful Thursday (the day of the week which I profess my love to something or someone in my life) AND being **MARATHON WEEK 2011** I’m having trouble focusing on just 1 thing to be thankful for.  So I came up with 26.2 things that I am thankful for.  (I put them in an order that I thought would be the most inspiring throughout the marathon)

26.2 Miles of LOVE

1. My Mom - who will forever be my biggest supporter.  Thank you for always reminding me that greatness is within, I just have to let it pour out.

2. Pregnancy – the hardest race I have ever run.  Thank you for making me feel superhuman in my abilities to grow 2 fabulous little humans.

3.  Stacy Berman – the greatest trainer who ever lived.  Thank you for turning this mama back into a marathoner.

4. Friendships - I have met spectacular people through running.  Thanks to these wonderful friendships I always have company on a run and I never have to explain why I’m wearing my hot pink compression socks to dinner.

5. Grammy - My Mom’s mom who was the most fashionable woman I’ve ever known.  She would tell me to exchange my Brooks for Manolos ASAP.

6.  Marilyn - my 5 year old niece who loves to run, and only runs fast.  Thank you beautiful girl for reminding me the pure joy of running with your pigtails flying behind you.  AND Happy Birthday!  Marathon Day as your birthday – you’re bound to be a running star!

7.  My Running Skirt  - I am not wearing you today and I know I miss you.  Thank you for making me feel cute and comfortable while dripping with sweat

8. My Garmin – who has made me realize that I am a faster runner than I thought I was.  Thank you for pushing me to keep those 8 minute miles coming.

9.  Debi – My uber supportive Step Mom.  Thank you for being the first pregnant runner I had ever known … you made running with a baby belly seem possible.

10. My Pals in Central Park – you know who you are … Pink hat lady, Sweet little old man with the rosy cheeks, Super fast dude with the blue shorts.  Thank you for the nods, waves and smiles we exchange as we pass each other.  You remind me that even in this chaotic city, the community of runners is friendly and familiar.

11.  Determination – 600+ training miles through massive heat waves, achey knees, frustrating paces and PR races all powered by Determination.  Thank you Determination for always pushing be to be a better runner

12. Defiance – Wind whipping through my hair, my feet pounding the pavement as I pass other runners (possibly chicking a few) … all of these things make this former ballerina and cheerleader feel like a bad ass.  Thank you to my defiance I am breaking the mold and having a blast doing it.

13.  Competition - Running brings out a competitive edge that I never had before.  Thank you to that competitive edge for allowing me to feel fierce and giving me the drive to power on.

14. The lovely Miss Sedlak - Who was my RB in the 2009 NYCM.  I miss chasing your blonde ponytail!  Thank you for introducing me to NYC’s running community and for 2009′s PR!

15. NYC – the greatest city on earth.  Thank you for being filled with everything a runner could ask for – a plethora of routes, great runner friends and a Lululemon every 20 blocks.

16.  RB – as we turn onto 1st ave I hope that the thrill of this marathon sends chills down your spine.  Thank you for trusting me to take you through this journey

17.  Addie – who I met when I was 17.  You are the best friend a girl could have.  Thank you for always making me laugh until I cry.

18.  Hans and Nishad – my not so little, Little Brothers.  I love being your big sister.  You are both amazing in your own way.  Thank you for the jokes, the songs, the soccer games, the silly noises and the unconditional sibling bond.

19.  The Alvarez Family – you have opened your arms and taken me in.  Thank you for showing me what it feels like to be part of a team.

20.  VC – The love of my life.  Thank you for always holding my hand  over life’s little “walls”

21. Dadi - My father’s mother who was the classiest woman I’ve ever known.  Thank you for reminding me that grace will get you everywhere. I can only hope I look graceful at this mile.

22. Mt Sinai NICU – where my babies were safely growing during last year’s marathon.  There are no words to thank you enough for the care and love you gave my preemies.

23. My Dad - the first person who ever took me out for a run.  Thank you for allowing me to accompany you on neighborhood jogs, as I run through my neighborhood in NYC, I wish you were running with me!

24. Central Park – You are the best training grounds on earth.  Thank you for your stunning scenery and killer hills.

25. Mr. Cat of Cat Hill – You crouch there on your perch watching as thousands of runners pass by.  Thank you for watching over my marathon.

26.2. The G’s.  You 2 are the biggest accomplishment I have had in my life.  Thank you for brightening my world and inspiring me to be the very best person I can be.  I hope that one day I am crossing this finish line with both of you.

There you have it – I plan to run with these thankful thoughts … I’d love to tear each one off as the mile passes.  However I’m not sure how to make that work yet!  I’ll figure it out and post some pictures.  Stay tuned!

NYCM 2011. I'm comin for you!!