Today is for those of you that are racing the Platte River Half on Sunday. Especially those who will be conquering the 1/2 marathon hurdle for the first time. Enjoy.

Your training is done and your time has come. This week you will go to do something in which you have not completed or competed before. Many have jumped this hurdle, most have finished, some have not.

The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start. -John Bingham, running speaker and writer

You have woken up early, when your babies were still asleep to run miles alone. You have had days where you just flew through your runs, and you have had days where every step was a bargain that you made with yourself to get it done. You have seen slow days, and fast days, warm days, and chilly days, hilly days, and flat days. To train for a half marathon is to become a runner, and you are now officially "A RUNNER".

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. - T.S. Eliot

When you step on that starting line Sunday morning you will not only rely on your training, but you will also lean on all of the individuals who have loved and supported you along your journey. We are with you when you race, we can provide strength to you in a week moment. We want you to have fun and do well.

I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can't run, what they'd give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me. - Unknown

As you feel the pains and joys of the race, do not think about what you are going through, but only what you are going to. Before you know it, your experience will be over and you will sit down tired and happy, knowing that you have placed a period at the end of an important sentence. I completed a half marathon.

We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down. - Eleanor Roosevelt

And at the end of the day with your sore legs and swelling pride, you will simply be 13.1 miles ahead of those who chose not to show up that day. Good luck to those of you taking on this distance for the first time. You're work has been done, it's time to enjoy the party.