Santa Cruz Sunday #3

 

What a special day here at the Chicago marathon with the gift of Anna, Jason, and Janie here to cheer along the way (along with the incredible crowds here in the Windy City). As I mentioned to you, while I had some pretty intense leg cramps to run through for a long stretch, my body gave me the gift of running with a smile through the miles and of finishing feeling strong. I was grateful for quite a few fun quick stops along the way for photo ops to soak up the joy of it all (see below for some of them in addition to what Janie and I already texted you-- sorry for any repeats).
I ran in honor of some amazing women in my life (thus the wonder woman theme!!) and of course you were with me in spirit too- see below.




I wrote this blessing as a tribute this afternoon in an effort to pass along some of the things that came to mind as I was running and holding you (and the wonder women I was running in honor of) close during each mile.....

Blessed are we when we remember that no one does this journey alone and that we need each other to encourage and hold us up when we feel spent.

Blessed are we when we have the ability to see the joy around us (perhaps that is when we are passing a man running in a chicken costume at mile 8) and when we can embrace the silly and ridiculous. And blessed are we when we have enough grit to just focus on the next step because the pain is real. 

Blessed are we when we run the mile we are in and don’t worry about others around us, but we just keep our eyes focused on the next thing in front of us.

Blessed are we who can take ourselves lightly and rest in “good enough” rather than perfection.

Blessed are we when we hear the cheers of those around us who see the wonder that we are. May we really let it soak in and allow that delight to spill over to others who come across our paths.  

Blessed are we who are tender with ourselves and others because we know that everyone is facing some kind of battle.

Blessed are we when we know our limits and ask for help and sustenance for each step.

Blessed are we when we have a hand pushing us gently from behind and getting us to where we need to go. Blessed are we when we experience the joy of a finish line and know that it was a group effort from so many who loved us along the way.

Blessed are you, Taylor, for who you are now and for who you are becoming. You are seen, you are known, you are loved.

-------------------------------------------------------------

I will say that there was one point early on in the race when folks were cheering, “Go Wonder Woman!” at the top of their lungs as I ran by, and I got a lump in my throat wanting you to hear those words FOR YOU. (Not the woman part of course--- but the wonder part!!) 



a few favorites below.... 
favorite group text from Paula 
to which Elizabeth responded, 
"At least Emily is not wearing high heeled boots, so that should be an advantage." 


start line bright and early 

wonder woman twin! 

mile 8 chicken 


favorite sign 

mile 13 cheering squad 

selfie! 

After passing Jason who was taking photos, I ran back to get these photos with him in a few! 
(So worth it!) 



YAY FOR MILE 13!!!!!!!!

and yay for being almost at the finish line!! 

ANOTHER YAY!! 


sight for sore eyes after the finish 

you are the best support crew! 

let's keep it real-- going down the stairs backwards at the train station 

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