"I got this"

Every time I watch Hoosiers and I hear Jimmy Chitwood say "I'll make it" in the huddle before taking the final shot, I get chills up and down my spine.

Every time I think of what Amy did the day of the 2011 Chevron Houston Marathon, I suspect I will get similar chills.

She was nervous prior - not feeling the best in the days leading up to the race, two bad nights sleep in a row, major weather issues, typical anxiety for a first time marathoner, not too mention she has pretty much figured out she hates running. And in typical fashion the day of she was as cool as cool can be. A total gamer. Mattie "Ice" Ryan meet my wife.

I saw her at multiple points throughout the race and she and the other ladies were cruising in spite of the rain. Good to see, but it was still early and you never know how you are going to handle that last 10K, or so I have been told. Our plan was for me to be at 18, which I was, to replace G2 and potentially run with her b/c this is where she thought her running partners might leave her behind. Basically at Chimney Rock and Woodway. Anyway I am standing at the corner with Laura Butler and we see her in the distance. Mind you I have dropped off all my gear to her parents and am ready to pound out 6-7 miles, stretched and ready to go and be mr superhero supportive hubby. They reach where we are standing, and before I can even open my mouth to ask if she needs me, she raises her hand (never breaking stride) and says "I got this." Total goosebump moment. And it wasn't even so much what she said, which ruled, but how she said it - behind the words were a strength and pride and determination I have been luck enough to witness time and time again.

I stood there just kind of in awe as she hollered over her shoulder to bring her ipod and they kept on keeping on. I filled the bottles, grapped the IPOD, and hauled buns to catch up with them at which time I asked her if she was sure she didn't need me, and before the words had finished leaving my lips, I realized I didn't have to ask. I never should have doubted, this was classic Amy. A basket case in preparation, just nails when it counts. Totally calm, totally confident, a rock on game day. Dude it was just awesome, really took my breath away.

I am so proud of her for what she accomplished, for finishing with a great time, and so thankful to her for reminding me yet again why I love and admire her - beautiful, strong willed, 100% integrity, and beneath all the worrying and second guessing and self doubt is a strength and confidence and peace that just blows me totally away. Said it before, can't say it enough, she is my rock. I am lucky and humbled.

I love you Amy Lee!! I am so proud of you for all your hard work and all you accomplished. Thank you for providing me with an inspirational moment I will never forget!!

(Crap - now the banner for this blog might have to change - CFIT VQ - I GOT THIS. At a min if I ever open a CF box it will be all over the walls and t-shirts!!)

(BTW she is also proud she passed a CFitter wearing a Fit as FU## t-shirt right at the end!!)