We DESTROYED a half marathon today!!

Please note. We did not merely complete a half marathon we CRUSHED it.

I say “we” because I did not complete it on my own, I accomplished this together with Sara, who has been my absolute rock this entire training process. We were also accompanied by the lovely Michelle on this particular journey, and her energy and conversation absolutely made my day even better – but it is time to put the spotlight on Sara, because without her, I would not be hitting my training milestones.

Did I say she has been my rock? By rock, I mean a geode that has been cracked wide open and has all of its spectacular, jewel-tone crystals on display.

Sara not only immediately agrees to join me on virtually every step I take towards the 60 miles of the Susan G Komen 3-Day, she actually apologizes on the occasions that her own family and life prevent her from being at my side.

So it is incredibly exciting to experience a milestone together. While this was not the first time completing a half marathon distance for either of us, it was the first time in a long time.

Why do I say we destroyed it? It did not drain us! I might even go so far as saying it energized us.

A month or so ago, 10 miles had us propping our feet up and hobbling on them painfully when forced to rise again. I don’t know about Sara, but I have gotten in the habit of celebrating my long walks by getting home, laying on the floor with my feet up the wall, and taking a long nap.

But today? Today, I plunked my newly acquired, custom visor bearing a model of the Herceptin molecule to which I and millions of others owe their lives on my brow, and we walked 14 miles at an 18 minute 40 second pace.

I treated myself to a custom visor for my Susan G Komen training and walk. I'm excited to see if I meet any other triple positive breast cancer walkers who recognize the Herceptin molecule, a drug that revolutionized our treatment and survival rates.

We were rather parched (a lack of restrooms along the route disincentivized proper hydration), but after guzzling bottles of water upon returning to the car and driving to our chosen lunch destination, we discovered our feet were perfectly happy to submit to our body weight again and carry us into the restaurant.

After returning home, we have both happily reported that our legs are stiffness free – and I even had enough energy remaining to run around and do errands, proofread an essay, and start pounding away at my keyboard.

Thanks to Sara, 20 miles a day seems really reasonable right now. 14? Child’s play. Ready for 16 next week! And Sara has already said she will be there.

While this is my love letter to Sara for going so far beyond the level of support I could ever dream of , I would certainly be remiss in not appreciating other recent contributions to my Susan G Komen efforts.

Marcia and Deedee’s donations move me ever closer to my fundraising target.

Marcia defines renaissance woman. New granddaughter? She knits adorable ensembles. Windy day? Marcia shows up with a kite. Getting in to birding? Marcia identifies exactly the perfect equipment. Rock climbing? Cycling? Hiking? Kayaking? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And in each conversation I share with her she expands my understanding of the world around me in some fascinating and meaningful way.

Hiking friends raved about Deedee for quite some time, but given she is one of those oddities who chooses to get up before the sun, her hiking hours are over while I am still cozily ensconced in my bed. But as we added bunco, and aquafit, and Taco Tuesday, and . . . to our repertoire, I had the pleasure of expanding my social circle with the lovely Deedee and her equally amazing husband Tony. Deedee is simply one of those people you always look for – when her name is on the “going” list, there is an extra smile. She has the warmest demeanor – and it is simply magnetic.

I am truly fortunate to have so many people lifting me up to reach this goal!