Author: Kristine Binder

“Standing there alone
the ship is waiting
all systems are go
are you sure?
control is not convinced
but the computer
has the evidence
“no need to abort”
the countdown starts”
Major Tom – Peter Schilling

This is it! Only 9 more days until the marathon! I am getting a bit nervous but I know that this is normal….it is Taper Madness.

During the taper the miles decrease and the time spent NOT running increases. This causes fear, dread, and panic. More time to think about what can go wrong. More time to catch up on things put aside due to training. More time to wonder what will happen AFTER the Marathon.

I am in that space now. Trying to catch up on things and trying not to think about the ‘What if’s’ of next week. I am trying not to eat too much. One thing about running it really curbs the appetite (also allows me more leverage with what I eat). When I am not running my mind often drifts to food! I love FOOD!

So…this is it. All systems are go. Control (my brain) is not convinced. The Compter (my body) has the evidence and says no need to abort. The Countdown Starts.

Wow! Life sure is overwhelming! The milage has ramped up, school is in full swing, Girls On the Run has started, and it is football season. All these things chew away at my time and energy. Just when I feel like it is not worth it and it is all too much….amazing things happen to remind me what is important.

Today is the birthday of my youngest daughter. It is a day filled with music, treats and balloons. She is the light in my eyes. She has a spark and an edge that challenge me on my best and worst days. She has a smile that can light up a room. She has a spirit that never gives up and never gives in. She has a positive body image and positive outlook that I have never possessed. She has the most tender heart and a soft spirit that endear her to everyone around her. She is such a gift to me. I am blessed every day to be her mother.

My children never cease to amaze me. Each and every day is new and different. They are growing and changing faster than I would like most days but they are becoming such wonderful human beings that it is hard to believe they are my children.

There are times when I feel so overwhelmed by life and all that it takes to get through a day……then something wonderful happens. Most times it is a minor thing that only I notice but it is there…a sign that it is worth it….every day is worth it.

So when life gets overwhelming…look for the little things….every day IS worth it!

Life is in the journey, not the destination, so do what you can and take it one day at a time. Go slow, do it right, and make your changes permanent — then help out others who are where you were.

Last week marked the half way point in my training program. Now is when the going gets tough.

The miles ramp up and the reality that the marathon is only but a few short weeks away sets in. This is the time that the training program tests you. This is the time that you need to really focus on the end result. This is the time when the nagging doubt sets in. This is the time that things get tough.

This training season has been very different for me. I am training with a group on the weekends and am learning about my pace and enjoying the company of other runners. I am doing more cross training and walking on days off. I am doing more runs on the treadmill to work on speed and pace. I am more aware of my eating habits and food intake…what works and what doesn’t. I feel slower but stronger than last year.

Last week was tough. I did not want to run. It was no fun. It was sheer work. It was torture some days to get through the miles. I had to keep my eyes on the prize so to speak. I got through each mile but they were not pleasant nor meaningful…..or so I thought!

I did some reflecting on those tough miles last week and realized that I had felt the same way during other parts of my life for example the last month of pregnancy as well as miles 20-24 of last years marathon. Miserable…no end in sight….no way out. Quitting not an option.

These are the times that test you. Test your fortitude. Test your strength both mental and physical. Test your heart and soul.

When the going gets tough…….I run.

the main reasons I train for and run a marathon are clear to me….now I would like to share them with you. My training has been a long, difficult road but nothing compared to the road a parent of a child with special gifts walks each and every day. I am running this Marathon for many reasons. I am running to raise funds for the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and Girls On The Run. I am running to raise awareness of autism. I am running for every girl’s positive self image. I am running to honor my hero, Kelly Weaver, her daughter, Gillian Weaver, and all other children with special gifts, as well as all girls everywhere.

I am running to raise funds for the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and Girls On The Run. Here is where I really need your help. Both charities are in need of financial assistance. My goal is to raise $1,000 for each charity.
You can make a donation directly to the school here
http://www.firstgiving.org/alca1
Donations to Girls On The Run may be made directly at this site.
Please be sure to mention my name when making your donation!
To learn more about the school, please visit their website http://www.alexanderleighcenterforautism.com
To learn more about Girls On The Run go to http://www.gotrchicago.org

I am running to raise awareness of autism. Did you know that one out of every 150 children born this year will be diagnosed with autism? Did you know more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined? Autism costs the nation 90 billion dollars per year and the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. There is no medical detection or cure for autism.

I am running for every girl’s positive self image. Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The program combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Girls on the Run promotes physical as well as emotional, mental and character development. The girls complete the program with a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be part of a team. As a coach for two seasons, I have seen the positive outcomes of this program. These girls inspire me!

I am running to honor my hero, Kelly Weaver, her daughter, Gillian Weaver, and all other children with special gifts. Eleven year old Gillian Weaver is autistic. Gillian’s father, Kevin Weaver, passed away from an undiagnosed brain tumor when Gilly was very young. Kelly, now a single mom, has opened a school for Gillian and other autistic children. The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism was founded by Dorie Hoevel and Kelly Weaver, who are both parents of children with autism. These two dedicated mothers have created a place where children can reach their full individual potential, in a caring and safe environment, a place where each child’s differences are what make them special.
I run for each of my own children, the children I teach, the children that face frustration of autism, the children who doubt themselves, all children who daily face challenges no matter how big or small. As some of you know, music is a large part of my life. I am going to compile a playlist of musical inspiration to keep me moving during my long runs and workouts. I want to be reminded of each and every reason I run. If you have a song you think would be a good addition, let me know!

Last but not least, I would ask for your prayers. I would ask that you pray for The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism, that this school will continue to be a place where each child can reach their full potential. I ask that you pray for the young women who participate in Girls On The Run that they gain a strong sense of identity. I would ask that you pray for my children as well as the children I teach, that they may grow in wisdom and understanding. I would ask that you pray for all runners and me on race day so that we finish safely. Finally, I would ask that you pray not only for children with special gifts, but their parents as well. They all face challenges each and every day that many of us will never know nor understand.

Please forward this link on to anyone that might want to help!