T Minus 9 Hours...

To say that this week has been a whirlwind does not do it justice.  I'm still not sure how we got from 10 miles last Saturday to tonight.  I have been wanting to update, but time eluded me.  So.. here I am burning off my anxiety with an update.  =)

Last Saturday was our last long run together.  We did a nice 10 and the warm conditions prepared us for race day.  Some of us tested out our race singlets and they will be perfect for the race.  Eduardo had a busy Saturday and got out running on his own before us.  On his way back in he got a few pictures of some of the crew as we headed out.  Thanks Eduardo!!

 We were all happy to have the last run completed and really looking forward to race day.

 Monday and Wednesday we did light runs and Wednesday was a little sentimental for all of us.  It's been a long road and that would be our last run together before the race.  Ms. Del Cid and I both forgot our shoes and clothes that morning.  We went crazy throughout the day racing home during lunch and having shoes delivered so we could run in the afternoon.  This was not a run we wanted to miss.  This group of kids, like so many we have worked with, are really incredible.  I probably would have run in my work clothes.
We had put in all the physical training.  We were fortunate to have Sport Psychologist James Boykin of Mental Apex come talk with us to get our mental game in focus.  The kids appreciate the words of advice and suggestions for overcoming the challenges they will face along the way.  Thank You James Boykin!

Friday was the trip to the Expo and dinner with the team.  One of my favorite days all year... and one of the craziest!  We were racing around all day getting the aid station bags together, locating tables, last minute paperwork and somewhere in-between; teaching.  All the kids wore their singlets to school on Friday and might I say, they looked SHARP!!  Immediately after school we headed to the Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center to pic up our bib, shirts and goodies.  The new location of the Expo allowed us to take public transportation, a quick bus and the metro.  It was also a lot of fun and a new adventure for some of the kids.  There is always plenty to see on the Blue Line! The excitement and energy of this day is only surpassed by Marathon Day.  The Expo is the realization that this is really happening!  I love it, it is soo much fun to watch them get their bibs and shirts and wander around getting free goodies.  

When we got back to school we had dinner on the stage in the auditorium.  It was perfect.  Mr. Barclift, the stage manager and his students had turned the stage in to a little restaurant for us as well as a photo shoot!  The lighting was perfect, music was playing, banners raised and the students had prepared a slideshow of pictures throughout the year.  Which Christian later narrated for us,  Lots of laughs.  Beautiful!  Sandra's sisters picked up the balloons and food and we were ready to go.  With the help of my amazing Mother, the cake was picked up, the tables were set and the finishing touches were made.  The kids love the chocolate covered strawberries too!  Again, we could not do this without the help of our families, yes, Dave and "brats" you are family too!   It was an awesome night and the kids loved it.  Our last little bonding.  Our principal Mr. Camerino stopped by with some kind words and we got to share what this means to us and how proud we are of the kids.  Before we left we decorated out bibs and told the students who their sponsors were.  It was really cute, they wanted to know who their sponsors were and how they were connected all of us.  We cannot thank out sponsors enough.  You made this possible.  Sandra and I and the kids are very grateful. So many blessings.

Wow!  What a week.  So that brings us to today.  Saturday.  The craze continues.  I had a friends bridal shower to attend and Sandra had a beautiful baby boys 1st birthday party.  Thank God for my mother and sister.  They went to Costco and picked up the goodies for the kids snack bags and food after the race. and had it ready when I got home!  After the shower and birthday Sandra and I raced to LAX to pick up the vans for tomorrow.  We made it back just in time for Mass.  So much to thank God for.  The past 6 months have been quite a ride and we are here to rejoice in what we have prepared for.  May God give us the strength of mind, body and spirit tomorrow.  Many blessings.

Well it is now T minus 8 hours and I have to be up in 4 hours to run a marathon.

Wish us luck.
Much love and many thanks to all who have supported us and followed us on this journey.
Tomorrow dreams come true.