an Inspiration post for Donna Downey

So, I just finished reading Donna Downey's blog and was motivated to post some pics of my lovebug Jessica, who also has taken up running to maintain a healthier lifestyle and be a stronger person both mentally and physically.

My Jessica lost a lot of weight in 2007 and 2008. She was motivated- she was determined. And not only was she determined to lose weight- she was determined to BE STRONG. So, she ran her first half marathon in Sept. 2008- the ING marathon- the same marathon Donna Downey is going to run in '09. She ran for the NF - a cause that is near and dear to her heart because of her son Owen.

I had the honor of being there - riding down early in the morning with her and being there the whole day- watching and waiting for her to cross that finish line.

It was one of the most proud moments of my life- up there with my wedding day, the birth of my own children and my nephews, and my kids taking their first steps, etc.

Watching Jessica, my bestest friend since I was 11, run in this race was like watching a phoenix coming out of the ashes. My Jessica is a fighter. She has had a tough road as of late but she DID THIS. And let me tell you, if you had asked me or her if she was going to run a marathon five years ago, ten years ago, or even when we were in high school, we would have said NO WAY! In fact, you could probably catch us running to the ice cream store- but that is about it.

So Donna, these pictures are for you-- YOU CAN DO IT. You may be scared and thinking "What in the heck was I thinking?" but that is just your nerves. You will do it and do it GOOD. Just look at how many people you have inspired since Jan. 2008 with your commitment to a healthy, strong lifestyle. And if you want to know some insights on the race, just ask Jess, she would love to fill you in on the ING race.

Jess at the beginning of the race- next to her DAd- there was a sea of people- an amazing sight- Jess was so nervous and when she gets nervous she gets giddy so she was hooting a hollering.

Owen- one of her sweet boys- she ran the race for him.

Jess very close to the finish line- look at her smiling---oh man, when i saw her turn that bend i almost peed my pants- she looked so DARN good.

Jess at the end of the race- beaming and showing off her medal to her other sweet boy, Joey.