Hi,

Hope you’re enjoying the weekend and Happy Halloween!

Thursday, on my lunch break I went to REI to get the Garmin Forerunner 220 but ended up getting the 25 instead. It was $30 cheaper and had everything I needed so I opted to use the difference to purchase membership to REI. It is a one time cost of $20 and you get 10% off everything in the store and online forever. Seemed like a win-win. I used money that I got from my folks for my birthday.

still in birthday celebration mode

Oh and while I was on my lunch break this bus passed me by…

Time to get my amazing on apparently

Then after work I stopped at Dicks Sporting Goods in search of a light colored v-neck tech tee that I could put my name on for the marathon.

My view on my commute home Thursday night.

I know they say not to wear anything new on race day so I plan on wearing it over another shirt. I found this day glow yellow Nike shirt and it was on sale for $10! SCORE. Then I went to the craft store to buy some iron-on letters. They’re black with sparkles in them. I put my name on the front and some special tribute initials on the back.

Say my name!

Abbie Z: an angel running with me

The initials are of a beautiful young girl who’s life ended earlier this year as a result of a tragic accident. She was crossing the street with her friend when they were struck by a car. I went to high school with her dad and learned through Facebook about her passing. While I never met her I can’t stop thinking about her. I’m heartbroken for her family. I see photos of her with the biggest smile you could imagine. I can’t bring her physical life back and I can’t heal her family’s grief but I wanted to remember her in a special way. I always choose to make my marathon miles as meaningful as possible. Abbie Z: You’ll be my wings tomorrow. 

So many people to remember during this 26.2.

Aside from Abbie, I will be thinking of Meggan Janota who has been gone exactly 1 year (10/30/14). I met her during the Dicks Sporting Goods Every Runner Has a Reason photo shoot in South Carolina that I got to be a part of back in February of 2013. I also met Leah there too. And yesterday, I got to see her again at the NYC Marathon Expo!

me and leah and a cool and inspiring backdrop

Her guy is running on Sunday and she’s here to support him. She’s in the process of some major knee repair so if you can keep her in your thoughts and send her some well wishes I’m sure she’d be thrilled.

Then there’s my friend Susan’s mom, Elaine’s mom, Tara’s dad, Elvia’s mom, and a former coworker Louise.

There’s no better way to change my mindset in those later miles when I feel I’m hitting a wall than to remind myself how lucky I am to be able to run. It’s a privilege.

I didn’t really stay too long at the expo. Once I got my number and shirt and spent a few minutes talking with Leah and her guy I left and headed home.

The woman I asked to take this pic said i should pose like that. It’s kinda weird but hey I listen to directions =)

Today I took Duncan to the woods for a little walk and photo shoot. I was in the middle of snapping away when he saw a squirrel and started chasing it. There was a creek but so many leaves had fallen on the water that he must have not realized it was water and he fell in. Poor boy had to swim back out and was so embarrased. He’s not a fan of getting wet.

Before falling in the creek

and after….Ma!!!! I got wet.

some of the gorgeous foliage in the woods today

After coming home and bathing the doodle I went for a short 2 miler just to test my new watch and phone pouch. All systems go!

Then it was off to Panera Bread to buy dinner for tonight and for tomorrow night when I finally get home from the marathon.

2 steak and cheese panini sandwiches, 1 chicken salad sandwich, some creamy tomato soup and lots of bread and chips. Plus my FREE birthday cookie! I’m all ready for the RUNger post race =)

So I’ve laid out all my gear and now I’m just going to hydrate and watch the World Series until bed time. Let’s Go Mets!

the gear!

See you on the other side of marathon #7!

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