Thursday, May 19, 2011

"I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" - Areosmith

Here it is guys.

and
it's
long.

with an obsessive amount of photos.

* Now [just a warning] I don't know if you'll need Kleenex but I officially need to wait at least an hour before I do that post office run & grocery shopping I'm supposed to be doing. *

5:01am - my brother has to leave.  He tries waving from afar.  Ya, that's not going to cover it.  I call him over. 

I hug him.  I cry.  He's awesome. and that "redline" in his hand - - - he's going to need that to stay awake for the day he has ahead of him.

Have I mentioned I loved having him there through the night?

[ya, that's my mom crying along with me in the back ground.
5:04am [my support crew is growing]  My sister Ann and her husband come - awesome.

I thought the news crew would be there at 5am.

not
so
much.

But it was nice [mentally] thinking they would be.

5:15 - - I can feel the emotions coming.

This. is. the. moment. I. had. waited. for. [and dreamed of - literally]. for. the. last. three. months.

My thoughts:
  • the training - - - it worked.
  • the planning - - - was a success.
  • all these people - - - they are here to support me.  amazing.
  • I am beyond "blessed".
Then my thoughts went to the women:

The women who deal with [or have dealt with] domestic violence in their life.

I cannot begin to tell you about the emails & letters I received in the last three months.
The. stories. were. horrific.  truly. horrific.

These women sent me THEIR stories.  They shared what I'm guessing to be one of the hardest, scariest, toughest moments [days, months, years] of their lives......with me

My perspective.  My life has been changed by this alone.

I have close family who have dealt with this as well.  I've seen what it does to families.  To children. to loved ones.

and
it
sucks.

[thinking] this. is. why. I. run. today.

The questions I was asked most:

1.  "why?"
2.  "why Sojourner center?"
3.  "Is that even healthy"
4.  "you're just doing this to get sponsors, aren't you?" [yep, someone really asked me that]
5.  "why 24 hours?"
6.  "why 24 on a TREADMILL?"

Answers:

1.  Because I can.
2.  Because my heart aches for these women.  I see the Pita's car pull in the driveway and I either . . . . smile, run out to greet him or yell to Peanut "yay, Dad's home".  Every woman should feel something like this or at the very least NO FEAR!
3.  I did the training.  I AM healthy.  It'll be fine.  Go eat your ice cream. [sorry for the mean tone - but that one got under my skin . . . . but the next one.....even more so]
4.  uhhh, let me check.....no.  NOT one.  Not one lingering company circles about me.  And I'm freaking great with that.
5.  Because I couldn't think of anything bigger.
6.  Because treadmills rock.

5:35am. 

My heart is beating fast and it's in my throat.  Having trouble swallowing.  I'm getting quiet.

My spin instructor hops on the treadmill beside me.

"so what's the plan?  you see that finish line now?"

too.  choked.  up.  to.  talk.

you
see
I
only
did
a
small
part
of
this
event.

I just ran.

Truth be told.  My Mom.  Shar [Happy], Dave & My Dad.  Did the other 98%.

I called my mom and sister into my "ring of fire" [barricaded area].

then
I
lost
it.

This event would not have been this calibur if it wasn't for them.  There's no freaking way.

They did:

*signs
*towels
*emails
*treadmill delivery
*treadmill pick-up
*found me my awesome DeRosa Medical staff --- which in turn found me "Randy" who set me up with the BEST AC units EVER.
*Found me my Dr. Ken [pain patch guy] ;)
*RUN EMZ bracelets
*etc, etc, etc

but more importantly they let me focus on training & cry to them when things got a little sketchy.  Telling me, "Emz, we've freaking got this" .

5:50am-My second grade boyfriend Mr. Joe Dana walks out to film the ending.

5:51am - Peanut hops onto the treadmill beside me.

Emz:  it's you n' me girlfriend
Peanut:  okay mom.

5:56:30 am - I hit 99.99 - the max reading on the Woodway Treadmill.

My dear friend Myrissa yells out from the crowd, "you. freaking. did. this!" . Loved that.

They begin to count down.

nine
eight
seven
[thinking please go slower]
six
five
[I hear Go Emz!]
four
three
two . . .

 . . . . [thinking please add . . . . . one and a half . . . . one and a quarter]

one.

They begin clapping. yelling. I have chills running down my spine and arms.

Z E R O.

I don't hit pause. 

I. wait. probably was only an extra minute or so but okay . .

now.
I'm.
ready.

And we capture a moment that, [let's be honest]

will never happen again . . . .

I cross the Vemma finish line first!


And look who gets the first sweaty finish line hug . . .


My nephew, Michael.

Then my nephew, Tanner [I love this photo]

My running man Aaron [he put in 20+ miles with me]
Ahhhhhh, Dave.
The. man. who. GAVE. me. my. sweet. nickname.


Now.  wait for it. wait for it.

BAM!

open the flood gates . . . My Dad.

Even though I have ugly cry face.. . . . .I love this photo.

Awwww man . . . .

I. see. My. Pita.


[guess who's holding the camera I'm looking at?]

this. is. the. best. hug. ever.

best. kiss. ever.


My. girl.

Yes. I. am. blessed. for. sure.

Then guess who I see over in the corner capturing every moment on camera?

Yep, Dawn.

My partner in running & texting crime. [often at the same time]



Dawn.  I'll never be able to repay you for the service, love and support you have shown me.  I will die trying though.

More hugs all around:

Friends [so awesome of you guys to come Kim & Myrissa]:

New friend I made during this run:

He came twice.  As did a few people along the way.

Top three moment of my life.

1.  My wedding.
2.  My Peanut.

3.  Our 24 hour treadmill run for Sojourner.

98 comments:

Alyssa said...

SO, so awesome.

Char said...

Dammit - you made me cry. Again!!

Unknown said...

you deserve every bit of good karma that comes your way for as long as you want/need it.

This is a great story.

thanks for letting us share it with you.

Neil Zee said...

uh, sorry, wrong google id.

I am info. apparently.

Emz said...

Char. Let's blame it on bubbles. ;)

Info. Aka. BFNZ. You are awesomeness.

A- thank you!!

Patrick Mahoney said...

Emily, this whole story/adventure is seriously the best. thing. ever. Seriously. What's next?

racing dawn said...

Never be able to duplicate. A special, unique amazing experience. There's a reason why this touches and inspires so many. Your kindess, love and humor is genuine and anyone and everyone can feel it. And to do it all for such a deserving and meaningful place for women and families make it this all the more greater.

Again you are amazing. That weekend will always be one of my top moments as well.

You are humbleawesomeness™ personified.

Tears and love.

Emz said...

Patrick. You. Tell me. Need. Ideas.

Emz said...

RD. I dont have words but expect a whole lotta action from me.
IFLYG!!

LB said...

So glad I'm having insomnia right now so I could read this awesome post! In (happy) tears for u....@ 3 am! Best story ever!!!!!

Emz said...

LB. You rock. It must be insomnia night. Ugggg.
You. Are. Awesome. Now. Go to bed. ;)

XLMIC said...

Yep.

Crying.

Again.

As I said...

You are love and giving in a lean, blonde package...

you know the rest ;-)

I love following your adventures :)

Silly Girl Running said...

Had to grab for the Kleenex. Again. And I'm at work. You were my 'morning tea' read. And now my co-workers keep asking me why I have 'just cried' eyes. They'll mock me for it for the rest of the day. ;)

Emz, seriously, you are something else! Emz dust is what dreams are made of. :)

Lauren said...

I'm going to be honest... During your other recap posts, I was extremely moved, but never brought to tears. But when I got to the photos of your hugging your loved ones, I lost it.

I know I've already said this (and so have tons of other people), but you are so incredible.

Oh, and I may or may not have done a little happy dance when I saw that you commented on my blog... And I may or may not be planning on telling my hubby all about how the super cool chick who ran for 24 hours on a treadmill commented on MY blog! :D

Seriously. You rock. So freaking much.

An Indoor Girl said...

That is an amazing accomplishment! And for such a great organzization...I work with some women in domestic violence situations and they really need a champion. You are most definitely a champion! :)

An Indoor Girl said...

ooops...*organization* Why doesn't Blogger have an edit button for typos? lol

Michael said...

I have to stop reading your posts because I always start crying. No good to be crying at 6:30 in the morning. Everything I read I am still just amazed - amazed by you, amazed by the support, amazed by the journey.

You did a WONDERFUL thing - for those women, for yourself, and for all of those who were touched and inspired by you.

Thank you for doing this. You touched so many lives. You are a Champion!!

adena said...

You.killed.me.ded

I love you times eleventy billion!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

You are a wonderful person EMZ. Love the pic of you and your dad and PITA. Love.

fancy nancy said...

I was ok until I saw the pics with your Dad!! You are amazing!!!

Unknown said...

Wow

Richelle said...

Wow... I'm just speechless... and crying! What an amazing journey! You have such a big heart!

Michelle said...

Wow, just wow!

Love it! Yep, forgot the Kleenex...again. You rock!

Johann said...

Just perfect! Everything that is.
"Because treadmills rock..." I love this...no, I've never run on a treadmill...you rock!

Anne said...

I'm going to reiterate Caroline's comment from way back when, "this should have been sponsored by kleenex!" Yup, you made me cry again. What an amazing experience...what an amazing woman! What's next indeed...

bobbi said...

Happy tears :)

I know we've all said it a gajillion times, but I hope you TRULY know just how inspiring you are. So proud of all you've accomplished, all you've achieved, with a dream and a great support crew.

LOVELOVELOVE.

Finallyfit2011 said...

Yep! Tears at 6 a.m. in my coffee :) :) Gotta love it!

Anonymous said...

ok my coffeee is salty now because of the tears that have fallen. You have done such a wonderful thing.. How beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!

Marlene said...

Aw jeez now I am all teary at my desk at work... can't say you didn't warn me. ;)

Experience of a lifetime. So happy I got to experience it with you, even in just a small way!

Julie said...

Must stop reading these post when I'm eating or getting ready to head out the door.

A-MAY-ZING!

Jason said...

The TV station needs to correct the graphic from

Treadmill Marathon

TO

TREADMILL QUAD-MARA-THON.

You are awesome!

JC said...

Note to self: do not read EMZ race recaps at work - I left my mascara at home! where are my tissues???

A.W.E.S.O.M.E. journey!!!!!

Christi said...

Yep, you made me cry, you inspired me and I only hope that someday I can do something as monumental for the world as you did. Sorry about the run-on.

You
Are
Amazing!

Diana Tries-A-Tri! said...

Oh I'm crying like a baby! You are such a stud. Seriously amazing. What an incredible, powerful, emotional, intense thing you did! Congrats, simply amazing!

ShutUpandRun said...

SO so amazing. Just loved every minute of this recap.

kimert said...

Flood gates opened on my key board at work. Wow. I've got chills. YOU are amazing. YOU did an amazing thing! And I am so glad you shared it with the bloggy world.

My baby boy's nickname is Peanut. Love.
I want an EMZ tee. Way cool.
And that running sucks shirt...awesome!

Have an awesome weekend!

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said...

I don't know how many more times I can type amazing in the comment box of your page, but...amazing. This gives me chills reading it and I am so touched by what you did (and as you rightly pointed out, what so many others around you did too!) So much heart went into this endeavor.
:)

A Prelude To... said...

SO very incredible and touching. I'm totally all up in tears right now. You did something AMAZING! YOU are AMAZING!

Danielle C. said...

OH geez I knew I was warned but here I sit with tears streaming down my face. :(

As someone who has been in abusive marriage (no longer, thank God), the services that places like Sojourner offer are so huge and they just cannot happen without huge help from amazing people like YOU. You have inspired me to help out the center that has helped me so much over the last year of my life.

I hope I get to meet you at the Seattle Rock n Roll...and I want one of your Run EMZ shirts!!!! Please let me know how I can get one. :)

GI Jane said...

Such a great story! You're amazing EMZ!

Christina said...

O0ps. There goes my tears, again.

You are certainly blessed to have family and friends supporting you and your endeavor. I'm sure it's because you are kind and giving and humble. You certainly deserve all the good karma in the world. :)

Truly awesome.
I'm gonna go cry another round.

Melinda said...

i am a new reader to your blog, but have followed your whole treadmil journey for soujourner.

i am still in awe that you ran 100 miles in 24 hours...

not only do i think you are amazing...but your friends and family that were there to support you are just as amazing.

great job...you did an amazing thing.

-melinda @ melgehatesrunning.blogspot.com

jamie@sweatyhugs said...

Just got chills! You are amazing!

Unknown said...

You out Jimmered the Jimmer on the treadmill!!! Truly amazing! Thanks for the inspiration!

Runners Fuel said...

Love all the emotion!! Awesome job!!

Evolving Through Running said...

An amazing collection of posts and pictures from an amazing event. I think any of us that run have tried to explain the 'why I run' question at one point or another, and sometimes it's hard to put into words. What you've done here is perhaps the best answer I've ever seen for that question. You've inspired me, you've inspired my kids, and you've made a tangible, measurable impact on more lives than you will probably ever know. You are a beautiful person, and don't ever lose that fire to make the world better.

You.Freaking.CRUSHED.This.

Amy said...

I don't want it to be over! Thank you for sharing all of the details and all of the photos and making us all feel like we were there with you for this amazing feat.

Allison said...

I've begun to look forward every day to a new chapter of your 24hour story..... I'm sad it's over... so please PLEASE continue to talk about it.... love the photos, love the reason, love the unbelievable love between your family and your friends. What an amazing day..... Now we know who the real "24" is about.... our own EMZ!

Anonymous said...

I'm speechless. Which is extremely rare for me.

I admire your strength, the love everyone around you has shown, and your ability to remember every moment of this and fill us in on it with such moving posts. You brought tears to my eyes - you ran your booty off for a great cause, and you accomplished something most could only dream about.

ROCK ON EMZ!

Gina said...

so inspiring -- yes, i cried.

Amanda said...

My pastor was preaching about reputation and the honor it brings a person, and how across multiple locations they would be praised and their good honor would spread far and wide. This is you my friend, and your sacrifice was sufficient and honorable in the sight of the Lord. God bless you for the blessings you brought to these people.

Carrie said...

Not too long, and definitely NOT too short. These posts were PERFECT! I'm glad I was able to support your good cause.

HD said...

Love it :)

You are such an amazing woman!

Jen said...

So very awesome that you weren't ready for it to be over. You showed what I really believe, that nothing is impossible with the right motivation and the right support system behind you. I know you've heard this so many times, but you are so freakin awesome. And I know it wasn't about you but about the women and children that you were helping. You were just doing what you do best to help them. I know we've never met, but I'm proud to know you.

Jen @ Run for Anna said...

Tears at work again! Truly a wonderful story...and you are a wonderful person.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Please place a disclaimer at the top of this post that reads:

WARNING!! Reading this post at your job could get your fired for crying out loud.

I don't have words to say how touching and inspirational this is. Clearly a defining moment in your family's lives.

Bless you and your family for all your good work!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Ok I even got choked up

The Green Girl said...

I have chills from head to toe.

Melissa Cunningham said...

yeah,hate to admit it but i got choked up as well...and thats hard to make me do!
well done EMZ,
words cant describe the impact you have made on so many over the course of that 24hrs,and for much longer to come...
your awesome,
your family is awesome
this STORY
your journey
is awesome...
and not to mention the cause behind it all....

i am so proud of you!!!!
you.
rock.

Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...

You are, honestly and truly, amazing, and you bind together amazing people, and inspire people to do great things. You may feel like you only did 2%, but without your love and energy and kindness and thoughts, the other 98% wouldn't exist, either.

Unknown said...

*sniff* pass the kleenex girl...
you are just amazing.
love the pics
love the family
love the cause
love your strength
xo

Rae said...

Yup, I needed the tissues! You are amazing Emz!

Cari Mugz said...

Read the post this morning...
To emotional to comment till now

There are NO words, they have all been said..

AMAZING
AWESOME
WOW
INCREDIBLE....

All I have left is

THANK YOU AGAIN... FOR

Sharing this incredible journey with all of us.. letting us all cry and laugh with you

THANK YOU .... FOR

Supplying beds for mothers with children that have no other place to escape to when they fear for their lives...

So sad that it is over... but so happy for what it brings..

SO LOVE YOU....

jymmebe said...

Was so happy to be there to witness this in person . . . something that will NEVER be forgotten!

Love you!

Michelle said...

Dang it where are the kleenex! Just pure awesomeness! What a truly amazing ride - thanks for bringing us all along with you!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

At work, blinking back tears. I felt like I was there witnessing your journey...feeling every emotion you were.

The words and pictures (thank you Dawn!) captured your story, the journey, your support, the lives you have touched.

top 3 moment for sure.

Laurie said...

You're right, I should have grabbed the Kleenex. My kids now think I've lost my mind. Unbelievably amazing. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Jannifer said...

Yup the tears came..at work. ha It's incredible that you would do such a kind act for these women. You inspire me and i'm sure others to serve more and help those in need. Thanks for the wonderful story.

Marisa @ The Pace of my Life said...

A.MAZ.ING! Got me tearing up!

Nelly said...

One of the best posts I've ever read. That picture of you and Tanner is awesome - that is a FULL hug, not a half hug. Same with the picture at the end of you and peanut.

I'm not sure if you heard, but Skinnyrunner is hosting a blogger conference in Vegas in December, I think you should try to be a speaker and talk about this there. Hearing about this event would make for an amazing story. (I can't make the conference, but it seems like a lot of bloggers are going)

Emz said...

Nelly - you are awesome.

Yep, I'm there was just super late at getting them the info. :(

Caroline said...

Ahhhh Em. This could not end any other way. All emotions. You shared it ALL and I thank you for that. This story is for everyone not just the runners. A journey of giving. Your Peanut saw something GREAT (and sadly rare.) Someone doing something to help others just out of the kindness of their heart of gold and to top it, that someone was a MOTHER. For me this is what this crazy ride was all about. Doing something really good for people who need help. For people who need a Better Life. Who gets to say they did something to change someone's life for the better? You do Emz.

Caroline said...

also now I request a hilarious silly post next. do some cart wheels or something

juanitagf said...

Pass the tissues. And I don't freaking cry...

Claire said...

Outstanding...congratulations to you AND your ARMY! What a very beautiful thing

Jill said...

Totally made me cry!!! Love ya bunches, girl!!! xo

Melissa said...

dammit....now I'm crying.

great post

great job

amazing

Amanda@runninghood said...

Okay, I'm seriously crying. As was everyone else reading this. Wow! So wonderful...you, your parents, the cause, the support, 100 miles. You've made an impression on this world, this life, those you've influenced. Well Done Emily!

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

EMZ, EMZ, EMZ....

1) How on earth could you still walk ... enough to give out so many hugs?

2) you are beautiful... even when you cry

3) I'm crying

4) What an emotional 24 hours!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings and true, honest, and raw emotions with us!!

5) Amazing, inspiring, truly humbling....

6) MAJOR hugs to you my friend!!! **MAJOR HUGS**

H Love said...

In tears crying.
Not because of the miles but
because I SEE so many relationships
in these pictures, so much love, so much support.

Praying that EVERYONE feels this in their life. Praying that all women and children are safe and LOVED.
CONGRATS again my friend.

P.S. See ya in Seattle!

Jill@Run for the Hills said...

The way that you give selflessly and see everyone around you with eyes wide open is just plain beautiful.

It is an honor to have you share this with me. I am in awe of your grace and your strength.

Aimee said...

Thanks for the heads up about the kleenex b/c I totally needed them!!

You are so amazing, and what you did was soooo very amazing! I cannot even fathom it! WOW!!

Julie D. said...

Shoot. The tears are flowing. You know, EMZ, I donated to Sojourner for your run but I didn't really 'know' exactly what I was donating for. I 'knew' but didn't KNOW. When you talked about women and the 'fear' they had on a day to day basis...it hit me....and how blessed and lucky, I am. to not be afraid. ever. Thank you for running for this cause. May these women feel safety and unconditional love. Thank you for doing what you do. You are amazing.

Mark said...

EMZ— holy amazing Batman! What an amazing (and excuse me for being a bit overly-dramtic) historical event.

You are more than an athlete. You are an athlete who makes a difference by transcending your sport by creating awareness—using the gifts that God gave you to do well by others. Truly inspirational!

I want to be you when I grow up! Rock on.

Lisa @ Eat.Pray.Run. said...

yes, yes, YES. perfect ending to a labor of love. congratulations. beautiful.

DRog said...

unreal

you are a gifted runner

but more so

an amazing Mother, Wife, Daughter, Friend, Sister, and much much more.

This is pretty much the most incredible thing ever. And you have enricheed all of our lives by sharing it!!!

D

Running Through Phoenix said...

Great post EMZ!

Caratunk Girl said...

It is nice to cry over something good and happy (for a change this week)!

You are amazing, great post. Great recap. The whole shebang!

Seriously, you FREAKING rock. I don't know what else to say.

Unknown said...

Tears... chills... mad respect for your amazingness = all things that this post gave me!

KovasP said...

All I can say is wow - to support those women who may not have it is an awesome thing. Noone should have to live through what they did/do/will.

Anonymous said...

you.go.girl

love from
www.myabcsoup.blogspot.com

DaphneB said...

You are.
Amazing.
Awesome.
Beautiful.
Inspiring.
And PS don't worry about the ugly cry face...I doubt anyone could even see it through the tears in their own eyes. (I know I couldn't.)

Cynthia said...

You are one awesome amazing woman!
I can feel the emotion thru this post. Those pictures say it all.

Julie said...

Wow! I am speechless..no words other than you are amazing:)

Unknown said...

stop making me cry at work!! I am hormonal from these injections and reading this is not helping!!

AHHH... you're the best!

nspicer said...

first time I've met you and now I love you. What an amazing woman you are, crying yes I am, and I love the pic w/ your Dad.

Maybe I'll even go to Vegas to meet you in person....stranger thiings have happened.

Thank you for all you do,

Nancy

Holley @ Lunges and Lashes said...

wait... you will never do that again??? jk... so amazing! i love your family and all the support!

Chris K said...

I know I'm way Manly and all, but that one got to me. Again.