These are my running girls, AKA: Hot Mamas. We trained through the winter, through a time-change, and we were prepared to run together and accomplish this goal as a team. After my diagnosis (ugh, hate that word), I knew I wouldn’t be able to run this half-marathon that we all were looking forward to. But less than 24 hours after my surgery, no rain, thunder, or threat of tornado was going to keep me from watching my girls run their race. They have been with me every step of my “race”, and I was there to support them this day.
The best part was seeing them running in shirts for me. The front said IMMA BE… (We dig that song) and the back said RUNNING4JULIE. Thank you girls for keeping me in the race with you. It was hard to find all of you, but the cheers and hugs I got when you saw me, made it all worth it. It confirmed that this race really was for me. And I don’t care how much you hated this course, we will all be doing it together next year.
And to my running partner, my encourager, my friend Jessica. It killed me to see you running by yourself. Yes, I wanted to run that race for myself, but I wanted to be there for you too. But I know that the “training” we did for 5 months was not for that 1/2 marathon. It was for the “marathon” that I have ahead of me. I am so proud of you for pushing through that race, and for finishing strong at the end…even better that your last one. And that is where I hope to be at the end of my race. I want to say I finished this year strong, and that I am a more complete Julie in the end. And I am now coining the phrase, “we will always have Don.” Love you, girl.
Really? Next year, too? 🙂 I’ll be there!
I am glad to see all your women friends who rally around you and support you. I bought a fight4Julie teeshirt and wore it this past Sunday to church. I think about you and your family alot. I cannot believe how strong your faith is in all of this. I would be a total wreck if I were in your shoes and I only have one teenage daughter. Keep fighting the good fight I know you will. We will continue to keep you in my prayers and your family. You rock
It may take some convincing to get me to run it again next year! hee hee
It was so great to see your smiling face in the crowd.
Aw, shucks. Darn ugly cry just came out reading this. This was for you and you had better believe we’ll be doing this ridonkulous race next year. You’re just on a temporary hold, but you’ll be back better than ever. Kicking my tail for sure. We just need to fix your trick knee and my janky hip first! Love you, girl!!
Seeing you there was just awesome!! Your presence was a motivator all on its own! So proud to call a “strong, powerful woman” my “teammate” but most importantly friend! You are not running THIS race alone 🙂