Dear Body –

First I want to start off by apologizing for the many years I abused you. No wonder, at the times I felt I needed you most – during my pregnancy with “L” – you pretty much gave out on me. I’ve been told that for every 1 pound of body weight, you are exerted with 7 pounds of pressure. WOW, sorry about that too. I hope now though you’re feeling much better since I’ve taken some 800 pounds of pressure off you.

Now, I'd like to thank you.  Thank you for cooperating with me this past year as I began to run. For awhile I thought you were going to let the left knee win, and derail my plans to run a race become a runner, but he didn’t pester me for long. 

You are strong.  Even though my pregnancy with "L" was more than imperfect - Just look at what you helped create.  WOW!  Amazing!  Every time I think of that I stand in awe, in complete awe of the miracle of the creation and growth of a human life - I'm not sure there's a single other task you do that is quite as amazing.

You are strong.  Your legs are strong, you carried me through miles of training, and 2 – 5ks. You still carry me when I run, and yes I realize treadmills are not fun, but right now in Minnesota, you DO NOT want to be doing this outside. Trust me on this one.

You are strong.  Your heart is strong. It beats less often now, and I bet it’s really enjoying the break!  After all those years of hard work, it deserves it.

You are strong.  Your arms are strong.  I can actually see muscles in your arms when I lift now... hope you don't get cold without that extra layer of fat.  I can easily carry two grocery bags full of groceries, and lift my sweet little 34 pound boy up with ease.

Yeah, I know, enough with the flattery already.  You've probably figured out by now that I'm buttering you up to ask a huge favor.  See, I've done everything that I can in the past 2 years to make you healthy.  Now I'm asking a favor of you.  Its pretty simple:  Can you just cooperate here with me for a little while?  Be your strong, amazing self and show me that you work?  Please, pretty please, with a cherry on top?.

I promise to keep treating you right, and I promise to trust you (at least most of the time).  Don't let me down, OK?  deal?

Hugs and kisses -
Sarah