13.1 Miles

When I was training for my first marathon last year, I remember thinking on my first 13-ish mile training run, 'For the marathon, I will be doing what I just did...again.' At the time, it was a daunting thought. But as weeks turned to months, and 13-ish mile training runs turned into 16, 18 and 20 mile runs, 26.2 miles soon became a reality. Crossing the finish line in San Francisco last October, I laughed, I cried, I floated on air for days.

As I begin week 20 of my first pregnancy, I am thinking, 'I have 20 more weeks to go.' And it is a daunting thought. But I know as weeks turn into months, week 40 will soon become a reality. Giving birth in Raleigh this December, I know I will laugh, I will cry and I will float on air for days.

Instead of a medal, finishers of the Nike Women's Marathon receive a Tiffany necklace. Appropriately, the mantra for last year's marathon was 'Run Like A Girl,' and is inscribed on the necklace. Today I wear the necklace with pride, but someday I look forward to passing it down to my daughter.