Thanksgiving, and thanks!

A little over a year ago, Jody called me and was going to sign up for the Thanksgiving Day Race in Cincinnati.  She asked me to do it with her and said she would walk.  I wasn't sure I could make it especially since I was recovering from a pretty badly broken toe.  I declined but in the back of my mind I was considering starting running.  A month later I made my declaration to friends and family that my New Year's resolution for 2013 would be to stop smoking and start running.  I wanted to run in a 5K.

Today, the day after Thanksgiving 2013, I am a runner who finished the 104th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race 10K in Cincinnati.  I ran the entire distance and I can't help but say out loud how proud I am of myself.

Throughout this journey I have had tons of support.  I'm going to dedicate this post to a group of people who were especially supportive along the way.

First of all to my kids.  To Jody who gave me the idea by example, encouraged me every step of the way, listened to my endless chatter about running, and ran by my side in most of my races.  To Matt who quit smoking and starting running along with me and ran every race with me.  To Andy who encouraged me from afar, taught me lessons about bone and muscle strength and recovery, and read every post on this blog encouraging me to continue not only my journey but also my journal.

To my mentor Michael, who showed up at my house the day after my declaration with the book "The Courage to Start" giving me all the tools I needed to get started.

To my girls at work, Andrea, Nicki, Vic and Emily, who signed up for my first races with me and let a 50+ year old be part of their group of runners.

To my brother George, who never stopped cheering for me with every social networking post.  I'll save forever the beautiful letter he sent me about how proud he is of me.

To my running nieces and nephews, John, David, Monica and Christina, who were always supportive and encouraging.  I look forward to running races with them.

Love to all!  And on to the next race!