Thank you

[pixy0stix]

I posted this in the picture thread, but wanted to make sure everyone saw - Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much for your participation in the virtual race/bike/yoga/etc.

This weekend was a tough one for me. I had signed up for the half marathon so long ago, and was fully prepared to train my heart out for it. I started to talk to ZB about it, and she was so excited to see her mommy race again. Every time I got on the treadmill she'd ask me how much longer it was. When she died, my world fell apart. I tried to continue training, but in my head all I could think about was how my daughter wouldn't be there to cheer me on. I finally made the decision to scale back to the 10k, as I figured I could do that distance, even if I needed to walk most of it. I was disappointed in myself, and frustrated that I couldn't complete that goal. I still couldn't shake the sadness I'd attached mentally to the race.

Yesterday was so tough. I thought about ZB the whole race, and I thought of you all too, out there participating and cheering me on. I had a great race. I don't think I could have had a better one, even with training. Right after the finish line I broke down in sobs, because there was just so much emotion I had been keeping in. Elation, sadness, hope, loss... all bundled into one big ball. It was good to finally let that go.

I also want to give a shout out to andrealynn, who ran the whole darn thing with me (and witnessed how goofy I get when running), and taratru for cheering me on in the beginning and at the end of the race.

[Deleted]

I want to say, thank you for sharing your story. Since what happened to your daughter, I have really and truly looked at life differently. I owe you a lot for that, more than you really know.

[clseale]

You are amazing. The courage & strength you have shown, is something that can't even be put into words. I'm so sorry for everything you have gone through, and will continue to go through. It is our honor to support you in anyway we can. It was something small for us to do, but I hope you felt a whole lot of love. We're so proud of you!!

[kams]

Pixy I think about you so often. I have a 3 year old daughter and share so many of the same experiences, and so I feel like my soul just aches when I think of what the world put on your plate. I can't even articulate myself, because I know that it is beyond my grasp.

You're such a valuable part of this community, and I'm so thankful that you have been willing to allow us to try to be some form of support and love throughout this last year.

[hannahb]

You are amazingly strong.

[CallingAllAngels]

The other ladies have said it better than I could. You and ZB are constantly in my thoughts.

I want to think that she did see you race again yesterday, and that she was so proud of you.

[lovesherheels]

I am sorry beyond words for everything you have been through, Pixy. Thank you for trusting us with such a difficult, personal experience and for letting us support you however we could from wherever we are.

You are so, so incredibly strong. You inspire me, truly. Thank you for being a part of this community.

[breezy8407]

Congrats again on your race. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your running journey.

I look at my kids differently after hearing about ZB. And by that I mean even during the toughest moments I know that even those are a blessing.

[Velar Fricative]

You are so strong. Lots of hugs to you now and always.

And you rocked a 10k! I know that was not the distance you set out to train for, but that is amazing!

[gt7301b]

Pixy, I thought about your strength and determination throughout my entire run yesterday. Your love and devotion to your daughter carried me when my legs were tired and I wanted to stop running. I know there were a ton of emotions tied up in your race yesterday, but I hope you pick another race in the future and continue to hangout on H&F.

[arch01]

Your strength is amazing. Thank you for sharing your story-your grace and honesty is really inspiring.

[MrsE]

I have no words to eloquently express my heartfelt internet hugs for you, your precious ZB, and your family. Congratulations on finishing your 10k and for pushing through both the physical and mental/emotional barriers. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to be a part of your life. I pray you will someday find a sense of peace and the memory of your sweet girl will always bring you joy. I hope you will stick around H&F.

[lauren170]

You are very strong and your daughter is proud of you. I hope you keep racing and stick around H&F.

[sadlebred]

You are so strong!

Congratulations on your race! I thought of you and ZB this weekend....

[thom]

Thanks for being willing to share the very personal side of this weekend & your race. I know we're all so proud of you for finishing your 10K & moving forward in the best ways you can. Your little girl is proud of you too.
Hugs Pixy. I wish there was more I could say or do, but I hope you feel the support & love we've got for you.

[emilyj]

(((hugs))) Pixy. I'm so proud of you for doing the 10K. You are so amazing, and I am so proud to know you.

[lb2006]

Ditto what everyone else says - you are inspiring and we love & support you.

[shauni27]

May 5, 2014 22:51:47 GMT -5 thom said:

Thanks for being willing to share the very personal side of this weekend & your race. I know we're all so proud of you for finishing your 10K & moving forward in the best ways you can. Your little girl is proud of you too.
Hugs Pixy. I wish there was more I could say or do, but I hope you feel the support & love we've got for you.

I think Thom2022 said best what I want to say.  We are all always thinking of you and ZB

[skwcm80]

(((Hugs))) You are the picture of strength and grace. I hope you were able feel every ounce of love and support we have for you.

[mrshandy]

Hugs. Thanks for inspiring this whole board with your strength and allowing us to support you across the finish line.

[shelbyann]

Pixy, you are seriously the strongest person I "know" (and I don't really "know" you). I continue to be amazed at your levity and grace. Continuing to send you good thoughts, and congrats on your race!

[ktzmoh]

I don't know you very well on these forums since I usually just hide in home and garden land, but I followed your story and think about your little girl all the time. I look at my kids differently too say a grateful prayer every day. I wish you peace and solace.

[venice2007]

Love, hugs and prayers to you!
xo

[labbie]

Ditto what everyone else said, and I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. (hugs)

[Deleted]

Thank you for sharing your story. You have been on my mind--so much love to you.

[emuni04]

Pixy, I think of you every day. Thank you for sharing your story and for allowing us to run along with you this weekend, no matter where we are in the country. Everyone in this thread has expressed their feelings so much better than I could, so I will echo PP's comments. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

[libbygrl109]

Hugs to you. You are probably one of the strongest people I've ever encountered. I know your little girl was cheering you on and was so proud of you when you crossed that finish line.

[agswife]

This sounds cliche, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and ZB. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to honor you and your sweet girl.