Dedicating My Miles

“Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” -Mitch Albom

I read an amazing article a while ago about dedicating miles to those that have impacted your life for your next marathon. I thought that this was an incredible idea! I started thinking about all the people that have impacted, inspired, and supported me through this. Each mile is going to count and mean so much more. These 26.2 miles are for you!

The first mile goes to Casey Richardson. We are toeing that line together and starting a race that will change our lives. This will be her first marathon and I am so happy she is doing this race with me.

Mile 2 is for the moment two years ago when people toed the line at the Boston marathon a year after the bombing. The emotions are unimaginable. One of the main reasons for running these marathons is to have my own BQ and now to get there to race for those that had their life changed forever. I run this mile for them.

This mile goes to Quentin for the 3 years we have been together. He is undoubtedly the most amazing man in this world to me.

Mile 4 is when I really show my crazy-dog-lady status. This is for my dog, Allie, who we got in 2004. She is really my best friend.

Mile 5 is for my bible study girls in TN. You all have changed my life. I learned so much about myself and God. Kelsie, Jamie, Andrea, Linda; you girls are beyond amazing

Mile 6 is for Jeff White. I have met a lot of runners but your story and your determination is something I admire so much! Your impact on the running community, your drive, and your racing resume’ is something I dream to have one day! Thank you for being an inspiration to me!

The 7^th mile goes to my sister in law, Krissy. I might have my math off but seven years ago you married my brother. These past few months you have been there for me when I needed it the most. I can’t thank you enough for your motivation, listening ear, and so many good times!

I have 8 nieces and nephews so mile 8 goes to them! Being an aunt is the best feeling in the world.

Mile 9 is for my ’09 girls, Denise, Paige, and Cassandra. Thank you for being there for me through so many years. I am so lucky to have you girls!

Is it cliché to have Tennessee be at the mile 10 I see? This is for all the people in Knoxville that have put love in my heart and changed my life. All the people at Apple Health and Wellness and all my friends I have made, this mile is for you.

Mile 11 is for Mariah Carroll (because would I give you any other mile number?) and Megan Schulte (my Vol’s lover) because I wouldn’t have survived senior year of college, let alone the years after without you two! Thank you for sticking around when you didn’t have to!

The 12^th mile is for the 12 years my Grandmother had to suffer through with Alzheimer’s. This mile weighs so heavy on my heart.

Reaching mile 13, I will remember my first half marathon. Courtney Fout this mile is for you! I will never forget you coming to TN to run my first half with me! You are so inspiring and for all the things you have been through health wise to be where you are today, you rock girl!

Mile 14 is for Coach M and the 14 weeks he will have spent writing me plans, workouts, and studying my running habits when the marathon comes around. I can’t thank him enough for helping me reach my dreams!!

Mile 15 is for Sheila Hylton. Thank you for all you have done for me, I wish I could have been there for you and Dayton the past few months. You inspire me to be a better person every day and know that God put you in my life for a reason. You have changed my life. I miss all of our dinner/lunch dates, Monday night Bachelor girls nights, and shopping/ doing anything with you!

Mile 16 is for all the people that I am running with on April 30^th. Realizing I only have 10 miles left it is them who is carrying me. I was debating on whether to give this mile to Kara Goucher, one of my biggest idols, she wouldn’t slack at mile 16 so why would I?

Mile 17 is for Shelby Muff. At 17 I was so scared to leave home and that summer we met at orientation. We were sisters separated at birth I swear! Roommates and best friends!! From beginning to end you were the reason I made it through and never a boring moment with us! Thank you girl for always being there for me!

Mile 18 goes to Sagan King AKA Sagwag. I can’t thank you enough for your support through my last marathon even though we have been apart for so long. I was 18 years old when we met and we became best friends. You have made such a big impact in my life and I’m so glad we were roommates!

Mile 19 is for all my family. My Grumps, Grammy, cousins, aunts, uncles, the whole shebang (cause we know I have a ton). This mile is for all of you who share a piece of me.

Mile 20 goes to my sister Mackenzie. Not just because you are 20 years old but because this is the “wall mile”. The mile where you need help getting over that hump. You biking with me through my hardest and longest runs has made me into the runner I am today. All I will think about during this mile is you and your support, you are seriously the best ever. (Btw is it illegal for you to bike the marathon with me?)

Mile 21 is for my sister Casey. This is the age she was when she was diagnosed with CRPS. This was the mark of the beginning of what would change her life forever. 21 miles into a marathon and I know that the pain that I will feel is only 1/8 of what she feels every second of every day.

Mile 22 is for Jeanna Drummer. In a town where I knew barely anyone at 22, you acted like I was a part of your family. I love how blonde we are together. I am forever grateful for you and love how you were placed in my life. I miss you, working with you, and living 2 miles from you.

Mile 23 is for my Dado. I can’t imagine life without you. Thank you for coming to every game, every race, and always being my # 1 fan!

Mile 24 is for my Mom. You are such an amazing mother and I wouldn’t be who I am without you. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me.

Mile 25 is for every person that is physically incapable of running. In the end, I run for you.

Mile 26 is for God. These 26 miles wouldn’t be possible without Him. The people I am celebrating these 26 miles with are because God placed them in my life. Psalm 26:2 – Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.

The last .2 is for myself. This is for the perseverance, determination, strength, belief, and courage to finish what I started. This is the representation that I have become at this moment, a different person.