Twenty Six Point Two

It's time to go to bed, the night before the marathon. I am filled with self-doubt and fear and the familiar "what have I done" feeling. It only gets worse on the bus ride 26 miles out of town. It's been a while since I've done this (3 years) so me and my knees are that much older and wiser too.

I just wanted to type in here what the teachers sang to me on Wednesday at the surprise assembly. It was so sweet, unexpected, surprising, and very humbling to have my whole school - staff and students - honor me in this way. So I really, REALLY, have to finish, get my medal, and make them proud. I will think of this song as I run. Kay Sorensen was the composer...you know what tune it's sung to.

while they sang, 26 different children came up and gave me a shoe shaped charm, with one little runner girl for the .2 at the end. I'm wearing that runner girl on my race number - 8012 - tomorrow!

Twenty-six miles to go
Just twenty six miles to go
I'm starting fresh,
I'll do my best
Just twenty-six miles to go.

Twenty-five miles to go
Just twenty-five miles to go
This is a breeze, I'll finish with ease
Just twenty-five miles to go!

Twenty miles to go
Just twenty miles to go
Look around
I'm covering ground
Just twenty miles to go!

Fifteen miles to go
Just fifteen miles to go
My knees are sore
but I can do more
Just fifteen miles to go!

Ten tough miles to go
Just ten tough miles to go
I'm more than half way
and starting to pray
Just ten tough miles to go!

Five aching miles to go
Just five aching miles to go
The sweat pours down
Will I drown?
Just five aching miles to go

Four hurtful miles to go
Just four hurtful miles to go
I'm breathing hard
my brain is jarred
Just four hurtful miles to go.

Three painful miles to go
Just three painful miles to go
I need a drink
I think I stink
Just three painful miles to go

Two endless miles to go
Just two endless miles to go
Why did I commit
to take this trip?
Just two endless miles to go!

One killer mile to go
Just one killer mile to go
The finish line
is almost mine
Just one killer mile to go!

Look at me, look what I did
Look at me, look what I did!
I ran the race
but not in last place
Hey, when can I do this again?