OK - this is the first time that I've replaced my project photo twice in one day. But I decided that I wasn't happy with the subject matter of the first shot or the execution of the second. I still have several more minutes left in this day, and decided to see whether the third try will be the charm.
I'm a couple of days shy of my 50th birthday, and I'm starting to get a bit emotional about the milestone. It's a big number, but some of the sting of the milestone is tempered by the fact that I'm way better at almost 50 that I was at 40 - in a lot of ways I'm in the best shape of my life right now.
One of the pivotal experiences in my life was last November, when I completed the New York City Marathon. Sure, I wasn't fast (6:12:20), but I did it. I accomplished what I previously considered the impossible, and it was a true self-image changer.
I took this shot of my Marathon medal along with two items. One is a 45 bracelet from the Tug McGraw Foundation. I was able to run the Marathon as a member of Team McGraw by raising money for the charity formed in Tug McGraw's memory. I joined Team McGraw because I knew it was a way into the Marathon, but I never expected that I would receive so much support and camaraderie from my Team McGraw coaches and teammates. They have become my running family, and I cannot imagine preparing for this kind of an event without them.
The Faith and Fear in Flushing ( http://www.faithandfearinflushing.com/ ) wristband is a nod to my Marathon blog sponsors - Greg and Jason were amazingly supportive of my efforts, and without them it would have been much more difficult reaching my fundraising goals. I wore this wristband during the Marathon, and I still wear it during my big races.
Thanks Kerri :)
Thanks Michelle :)