Less than 72 hours remain until the Mini Marathon! At 8:30am on Saturday, I will be taking off from downtown Indy with 35,000 of my closest friends!
Training has not gone as expected, but I have been pleased with my preparation in spite of the roadblocks. Injuring my thumb and having surgery at the beginning of training really set me back, but I see it as a beautiful metaphor for life. Like the saying goes, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." I had planned to buckle down, run 3-4 times per week, and gradually increase my long run mileage each week. Instead, I was on painkillers for several weeks, had stitches and a pin in my hand that I was not allowed to get wet, and was just overall wiped out from healing and from a change in my work schedule.
Despite this, I was still able to get several long runs in. Granted, they were not as fast as I had hoped, but I got them done. I even fit in a couple races. Before I got hurt, I ran the Indy Mini Miler Series 3-miler, and the Run4Love 5k (photos in a previous post). I participated in the Indy Mini Miler Series 10-miler at the beginning of April, and the Carmel Marathon Weekend 8k just a couple weeks ago. Running with a splint on my arm is cumbersome, extra sweaty, and makes my shoulder sore.
But you know what? I am very lucky, and very blessed. I am healing, and still able to participate in an activity I love. I am still able to work. And above all, I am able to spread the word about the wonderful things that are happening at Riley Hospital for Children. I was featured on the "Riley Blog" about my Mini with a Meaning mission and that blog was even featured on the Mini Marathon Training page (click here if you want to read it--http://www.rileykids.org/stories/blog/running-the-mini-for-riley.html#.VTkFpSFViko ). What I am going through pales in comparison to the obstacles that the Riley kiddos face. These kids are strong and resilient and they deserve our support!
Team Riley's goal is to raise $10,000 for the kids before the Mini Marathon. We have raised $9200 so far. Our goal is so close!!! Please help us reach it. Every penny goes to help the kiddos, and no amount is too small!
If you cannot donate money, we would appreciate your prayers and positive vibes. Pray for all of the runners, spectators, volunteers, and law enforcement and that they all stay safe during the race. And pray for the kids!
Thank you SO MUCH for all of your support! You can still donate by clicking on this link.
http://donate.rileykids.org/goto/staceydraper
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