We're in the final hours before CIM... It's here! I've thought about tomorrow for a long time, envisioning this race, my marathon debut, for years. In recent weeks, December 7 has never been far from my mind; each day, I've dedicated to being prepared, fit, and confident on the start line in Folsom. And now we've arrived! Time to execute.
I'm nervous, but trying to find the calm that comes with knowing that I've put in the work to be successful. Running a race is really no different than taking an exam or giving a presentation at work - if you've adequately prepared, you'll be good to go. And prepare I have - for the past 12 weeks on the roads in Providence, for the past 6 years when this Olympic Trials dream first took hold, for the past 20 years since I fell in love with running. More miles than I can count, and so many joyful memories! I'll be holding those close tomorrow and drawing strength from the countless experiences that have led up to now.
photo credit PAUL KITAGAKI JR./SACRAMENTO BE
There's not much more to say - it's just time to run. But I will say thank you to everyone who has contributed to my prep for this race - high school teammates, college roommates, sisters in sport. Mentors, teachers, coaches past and present. Davis-ites, Bay Area folks, Clevelanders, and my new friends in Providence. Dear friends who've sent texts and cards, family members who've ridden bikes while I'm trained, fed me when I've been comatose post-long run, and traveled far and wide to scream their hearts out for me in races... you know who you are, and I'll be thinking of ALL of you tomorrow at some point during the 26.2! Much love and gratitude to you!
See you on the other side...
Kaitlin
PS - I had the great pleasure of talking with the Sacramento Bee ahead of the race - you can read here about how my marathon debut has been a homecoming and family affair:
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/article4305119.html#/tabPane=tabs-14eb96af-1
