So I am getting my iPod set up for the race and I got contemplative these past few days because this race is pretty emotional for me. (For a variety of reasons. I am running for the National Kidney Foundation and I raised money for the cause. Because I am in such a different place than I was 7 months ago when I started this, etc.) Anyway, I decided that I would set up my iPod so that every mile (11 minutes-ish) would be dedicated to someone or some part of my life. And the songs during that time would be reflective of that.
Here is what I have so far--
Mile 1- for Kelly. She is the reason I started all of this, so it only makes sense that she starts the race with me.
Mile 2 - for Cammie - no explanation needed, I am sure.
Mile 3 - for Riley - same.
Miles 4 & 5 - for Jeff. For all of the complaining and griping that I do about him, he is an excellent person. Truly one of the best I know. And the good in our lives FAR outweighs the bad. He is a great husband and father. Plus, I have a ton of songs that remind me of him, so he gets 2 miles.
Mile 6 - my parents. Because how else would I have gotten where I am today? They are so supportive of everything I do.
Mile 7 - old friends. I am middle-aged. That is still hard for me to believe. But in that time, I have had tons of friends. Really good ones. And although I may have lost touch with some, or only do the Christmas card thing with others, they are still my friends and I know that we could pick up in a heartbeat and it would be like we were never apart.
Mile 8 - the ocean. Ok, I know this sounds cheesy. But Marine life and research is a big part of who I am. Always has been. From living in Alaska to the Keys to getting ready to do my sabbatical in The Seas (no, this isn't definite)...it is just part of me.
Mile 9 - fitness & running. Before my "fat period" I was always thought of as a jock or a fitness freak or whatever. It was a huge part of my self-identity. And I lost it. And now it is back and I am so happy about that.
Mile 10 - Disney! This is another passion of mine. And again, I have great songs that go with this, so it gets a mile.
Mile 11 - Party time! Ok, the truth is that I am still a Party Girl at heart. Middle-aged or not. I love to have a great time, to tie one on, to dance till I can't move, to scream until I have no voice left. Plus, at this point in the race, I am going to need something like this!
Mile 12 - You guys. The Board Babes. You are specifically at mile 12 b/c even though I had other reasons for starting this journey, there is no way I would have come this far without all of you.
Mile 13 - this one is for me. I will likely take my iPod off here and just experience this last mile. Thinking about where I came from...and where I have yet to go.