Dear 2010 Brooke,

As I said yesterday, this song caught my attention.  I considered (briefly) plagerizing and making this my letter to me, but I know that some of my readers are Christian music fans, and how embarassing would it be to be caught...



Here are the lyrics for those of you who can't watch the video:

Sidewalk Prophets - The Words I Would Say

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,




Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,


Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,


Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,



From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,


Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say

Since I'm going to be honest and write the letter myself...here goes.

Dear 2010 Brooke,

This past year was one of tremendous growth for you.  2009 Brooke was no where to be found!! 

After a couple months of training - you set a brand new personal best at the Covenant Health 5K.  Who would believe you'd run a 10 minute mile?  Jay You certainly didn't.  Remember what it feels like as you cross the finish line.  Never forget that moment of total victory.

Of course you reran all the same races from last year, each time setting a new personal course record.  First the SMARM 5K, then the West Hills race - the hills will kick your butt again.  Period.  This time you better your time AND you don't feel like you're going to puke as you cross the finish.

The new of running has worn off for your family - don't expect them to meet you at the finish line as they did all last year.  This is old hat to them.  You still have the stuffed animal the Princess gave you at West Hills - keep it close by, hug it often.  With every hug, remember that she is with you in spirit at each race.  Just as you will be when she grows up to compete.

Then there is the matter of this Disney marathon coming up.  The training totally helped you kick it into high gear for the Oak Ridge Half.  Shaving 15 minutes off your time?  A completely crazy goal, but I'll let you in on a secret - You totally do it.  There is no trotting, no getting passed by an old lady in a back brace, or a walk/runner who speeds up when you pass her so she doesn't have to be last. 

You jog the entire race at a respectable pace, then you report back for training Monday morning.  A week of rest?  You don't have time for that nonsense - you have a full marathon to train for!!!

As I write you this letter, I can't help but be nervous.  You've made a lot of progress in 2010, but you left me with some work to do.  First there is the matter of 26.2 miles that you've signed me up for.   No thanks to you, some of those nagging insecurities are still in my head.  Can I do it?  Am I tough enough?

You've proved to me that I am, but it looks like this month I'm going to have to prove it again.

There is so much more I could share with you, but I think its best to leave it at that.  Love yourself, take care of yourself - oh and don't forget to love that husband of yours!

Love, 2011 Brooke