Although my Marathon Trials race recap was a bit lengthy, I didn't feel that it did my thank-you's justice. SO many people helped me get to the starting line ready to race, and they deserve another shout-out. So in no particular order, here are my many heart-felt thanks to these awesome people!
My mom - Mom made me healthy, delicious, home-cooked meals every night while I was back home in California training before the Trials. It can be hard to get in enough calories in marathon training, let alone nutritious ones - after a hard tempo, the last thing I wanted to do was cook. Mom was there to feed me (and listen to my workout splits, if she hadn't been out there watching/cheering/on water bottle duty). Thanks Mom for all the healthy, tasty eats - can you be my personal chef in Providence too?? ;)
The Gregg men - Bill, Brendan, and Bryce - between the three of them, my dad and my brothers either ran with, biked with, or listened to the splits on every single one of my workouts. Marathon training was truly a family affair, with Bryce getting me out the door for doubles, Brendan on the phone talking shop, and Dad holding a stopwatch. I am so grateful for the Gregg men's constant encouragement and dedication to my dream.
Getting out the door for a dark + rainy double with Bryce, my 15 year-old brother.
Abbie Galloway - About 3 weeks before the Trials, I had an injury crop up and I was unable to train at full strength. I was so grateful to my dear friend Abbie, a physical therapist and former college steeplechaser (my teammate at UC Davis) who understood that taking some time off to heal just wasn't an option for me. Abbie treated me and got me back out there running pain-free - without her help, I don't know if I could have made it to the starting line. If you need a PT in Davis, CA, I can't recommend her more!
Dr. Leo Kormanik and the Ohio Sports Chiropractic team - Dr. Leo was my go-to sports guy when I lived in Cleveland - I saw him for all my chiro and ART needs. A fellow runner, Leo is a past Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon and I trust his treatments completely. Leo and his team flew out to LA on their own dime to treat Ohio athletes competing in the Trials. He treated me in LA and was so responsive to all of my pre-race chiro needs. THANK YOU, Leo!
New supporters - Shoe contracts can be hard to come by, and I've been in negotiations with various companies off and on since November. Right now I'm unattached as I figure out my next steps as we approach the Track Trials - but thankfully, I'm not without support! Many, many thanks to my news sponsors + supporters this year, including the Women's Sports Foundation, the Sacramento Running Association, the Pacific Association USATF Foundation, and most recently Picky Bars, as part of their "Feed the Dream" program. I continue to be supported by Coach Dena's Strava Track Club (thank you!!), and was honored to be one of five women in the Strava Marathon Trials Program (click to see our sweet video!).
Last but not least, my husband! Avi was fully on board with me doing whatever it took to perform my best at the Trials - even when that meant being apart for 3 months while I trained in warmer-weather California. I said goodbye to him in December while he held down the fort in snowy Rhode Island. Much love to my life partner who encourages me to relentlessly chase my dreams!
Many, many thanks to friends near and far who've embarked on this journey with me <3 The best -- Eugene, Oregon on July 2nd! - is yet to come!