Getting Stronger

Boston

My excitement on Monday was on high tracking 3 of my friends as they ran one of the, if not THE, race of their lives. 

Boston

I watched in amazement as Tia's splits came across the screen.  I was so happy and thrilled for her that she was on pace to blow her marathon PR out of the water and coming really close to running sub 3. 
I watched as Kristen's times showed up as well.  She's running strong.  I hoped she was feeling as strong.  What a race for her. 

And Amanda.  Amanda will always have a place deep down in my heart from the time I first met her in college to forever.  She went in with a different goal.  She went in to enjoy this race and her splits were coming back faster and more consistent than I had imagined they would.  I prayed that she was feeling strong mentally and physically. 

I couldn't get these ladies out of my mind.  I so wished I could be there cheering them on when things got so, so difficult and seeing for myself that their mental and physical game was as strong as those numbers hitting the splits.

Proud

Living vicariously

All had finished by the time I got back from lunch with great times. I ran to the bathroom (because that is what I do now 100 times a stinkin day) and as I was walking back to my desk I saw the news.  I couldn't get to my phone fast enough.  I needed to  know they were ok.  Knowing someone finished and what time didn't really matter.  I knew there was a high likelihood that they could still be around the area.  Tia and Kristen checked in but no one, not even her mom, could get word from Amanda.  I was hopeful, then thinking the worst, and praying hard.  Thinking "What IF".  I was about to grab my purse and get out the door because I just couldn't be working and carrying on about my day with not knowing she was ok.  Finally we got word and I was so relieved. 

I'm still in a bit of shock with everything that is going on.  Some asked if that would change my mind about doing events like this.  Heck no.  Not in a million years.  I don't get it.  I don't understand it and maybe it isn't for me TO understand.  I know who is in control and I know where I'm going if such an event happens to take me.  Fear is not in question. 

What I love?  The runners, the athletes, the communities around the world coming together with support and love.

United

Choosing to move on STRONGER. 

I couldn't help but imagine running a marathon and not getting to finish or finishing and then picking up barricades, ripping signs, and barrelling through to get to injured people on the other side.  That's what I saw, people who had just finished running running toward the explosion sight to help.  I continue to choose to see the GOOD.  Could you imagine the exhaustion you would feel after such an event and then go right into help mode?  I pray for those that were close.  That went through this experience.  I pray that God strengthens their minds and they are able to process through all of this with mental strength in a healthy way.  I pray for all involved, the families of the one's killed, the hurt, everyone there, and all of us that are heartbroken about the entire situation. 

If you want to hear stories from my friends you can watch for updates on their blogs by clicking their names above. 

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On a training front - things are going well.  Still working hard and I will be turning it on harder.  You have to believe I'm using the above events to fuel my fire.  My workout Tuesday had Boston written all over it.  I'm dialing in on the abs and the backside as much as possible these next 5 weeks.  If it takes 500 sets of ab exercises and 300 lunges every day then so be it.  Meals = same old thing.  Keeping it as clean as possible.  Stay tuned to help me out on a photo competition coming next week.  The winner will get a spread in INK magazine.  Follow my 5 Sharp Lives Facebook page and follow tsharp12 on Pinterest to help me out.   Stacy (pictured below) will be on stage with me, thank the good LORD!  Soon, very soon, I hope to blog about what doors this whole experience has opened and what sharing my experience with others is doing for others and for me!  Exciting stuff!!!

***

It has been a crazy busy week at home and at work.  Last night we had tickets to attend an event with Dr David Jeremiah, a pastor who has a radio program.  It was a long day full of work, a mini photo, work, working out, finding what to wear on stage, eating, and then meeting Dale and his mom for the event.  I was tired after a stressful week at work and working out and everything else in a busy mom's life and my attitude getting there sucked.  I complained to myself about how stupid the seating was and sat there all bulled up at the beginning.  Then I realized what I was doing and where I was and actually asked myself, "are you kidding me?"  I said a little prayer to have my heart lightened.  And, soon after it was.  I enjoyed the experience no matter who was beside me or how they were acting.  It was worth the long night and a blessing for sure.  Many people went forward and THAT is always worth it.  What an experience to see people make that decision for themselves. 

So, needless to say, today I'm exhausted. I'm ready for this weekend.  I'm ready for this rest day (except for abs and lunges). I'm ready to run with Boston in my heart this weekend.