Wow, Angie! Just wow! You and I have flitted on each others' peripheral vision for a little while now, thanks to Lead Change, but we haven't had a chance to really get to know each other yet, even though I know we shall.

While I've never been a runner, I am a martial artist in training for my black belt test in April. So, I understand the concept of training and training hard for something significant to you. I had a set-back late last year, and stopped training completely for a couple of months. I'd almost given up on the dream I'd spent 4 years working toward. Then came the sudden realization that I couldn't give up. I'd worked too hard, come too far, and had too many people who'd supported me along the way for me to stop just short of my goal.

I have an "Aly" in my life'; someone I'm doing this for, even though they're no longer here. But, more importantly, you asked who *I* could be an Aly for... Are we ever really aware when we're being an Aly? I've had people share with me, years later, who significant something that I'd done was that, at the time, I had no idea was all that important. I can't tell you today who, if anyone, I'm an Aly for. But you've inspired me to pay closer attention!

Thanks for sharing such a personal story! You're one impressive woman!