MY FAMILY
It goes with out saying that these guys are my biggest cheerleaders. I am 36 years old and my mom still attends all of my big races. She has figured out the tricks that come along with being a marathon spectator, studying the maps the night before the race and being at the key locations, balloons in hand. She feels bad that she is not going to be at my marathons this fall, but these races are basically training runs. I am not looking to PR. She will be at the JFK 50 Miler though sporting her Team Jess colors! Oh and my silly sister Joc who I call after practically every race or long run. She always asks me how far I ran and if I say, "28.24 miles," she responds with something like, "Oh, you wimped out before 29?" She is joking, of course, and always makes me laugh.
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| The Family! |
I went to high school with Cindy and Adam. Adam has always been an awesome runner and Cindy and I played tennis together. We lost touch over the years, but reconnected last year when they came into town for the Marine Corps Marathon. They are one of my favorite couples and just beautiful people, in general. When you interact with them, you can not help but feel loved, accepted, cared for and cherished. They are both awesome runners now! Adam has run several ultras and Cindy has a Boston Marathon under her belt. They have four beautiful children and live outside Chicago. Adam was really the one to first put the idea into my head that I could run an ultra. The thought never even occurred to me until he said very matter of factly, "You should do it. It will make your marathoning training seem like a cake walk." Really? He thinks I could do it? Hmm. Maybe one day. Well, that day is coming up soon! They both have been a tremendous support system to me. Cindy saw on my Facebook page that I was accepted into the JFK 50 Miler and said Adam would be happy to offer me any advice. I emailed him and in return got a two page email with details about how to get started - mentally and physically. Even though we are far away they hold a very special place in my heart.
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| Cindy and Adam |
My family has their fair share of drama and sometimes we let the insignificant things get in the way. I haven't seen my Aunt Jane in almost 10 years, but she is going to come out to be on my support crew for the JFK 50 Miler. I can't tell you how much this means to me and how excited I am to reconnect. She is a loyal follower of my blog, and is always sending me bits of inspiration - as well as special goodies such as mineral bath salts (for recovery) from Tel Aviv where she often travels for work. XOXOXO
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| Aunt Jane |
Brenda and my Mom have been the best of friends for well over 30 years. A word that comes to my mind when I think of Brenda is LOVE. I am pretty sure I could call Brenda at anytime for anything and she would deliver without question. She exudes unconditional love and compassion. She also "gets" what I am trying to do here. A lot of people don't. She has a knack for giving me advice and saying what I need to hear when I need to hear it.
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| Poopie, Poopie Mama 2, Poopie...Don't ask :-) |
When I first got into the JFK 50 Miler, I was frantically searching for others who were also running the race. I somehow found these two tough-as-nails chick's blogs and I just love interacting with them. They know better than anyone what I am going through and are always offering words of wisdom, making me laugh and just providing encouragement.
Kara's blog, It's a Dog Lick Baby World, and tweets make me laugh everyday. No joke. She is super tough, but also keeps it real and reminds me to not take myself too seriously. She is mom to a precious little girl and Peanut, a rescued hound and still finds the time to train for all these races!
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| Kara |
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| Erin - the Ironman! |
Jessica, I am so flattered - thank you so much for your kind words. You (and Kara!) provide inspiration to me as well. Hope to meet you both at JFK and know you'll have a kick butt race. P.S. My mom still comes to most of my races as well. Since she's far away now (in Virginia) she can't come to as many as she'd like, but does her best - you're right, it makes a world of difference to have a great support team!
ReplyDeleteWe're flattered to be included here, but glad you know we're totally behind you friend! We were hoping we might be able to swing by and see your race on our Thanksgiving travels, but I'm running my own 50k on the same day you run the JFK50. Keep up the training, and don't forget to taper...
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