Feeling 40..and 4, all at the same time

I took a day and a half off work to travel to Alexandria, MN with my dear friend Amanda. While there, we did lots of scrapbooking and I was able to enjoy some running after taking a few days off after the half marathon. Saturday morning, I took off for a solo run outside. It was great to just enjoy being outside, listening to the pounding of my feet on the pavement. I left the iPod at the hotel and just enjoyed myself. I stopped to pet some horses, saw some awesome lakefront properties on Lake Darling and dodged the light ran that accompanied my run. Seven miles is a great way to start the weekend. I also stocked up on some cold-weather running gear at a Nike outlet store, so there are NO excuses not to run just because it's cold and/or rainy. :)

When I got back into the office today, the dreary Minnesota fall weather followed me back to Nebraska. I was feeling kind of 'blah' due to the weather and I was wondering what would be waiting for my in my email inbox. What a pleasant surprise to find several envelopes in my mailbox with donations in them! I was totally blown away by the generous amounts people have given. I felt like a 4-year-old at Christmas as I opened each envelope! So many of you wrote encouraging and thoughtful notes--thanks to you for that. I am keeping them to take with me when I travel to FL and also to look at if/when the day comes that I don't feel so much like going for a run.

I'm feeling 40 because....with all of your generosity, I've officially hit 40% of my fundraising goal! I am continually amazed at how giving people are, despite the tough economic times facing our country. Each donation really does make a difference. I am thankful for each of you!

Less than 100 days...Keep on steppin'!