Heavenly Father—For your great love in all circumstances.
Lee Cushman—For standing by me in all things. Your strength and support are unwavering. I love you.
Melanie Cushman—For setting an example for us all with your strength, and for agreeing to let me use parts of your story to tell this one.
Caroline Cushman—For being the family cheerleader in all things—including my writing and my (often annoying and inconvenient) research on running.
Ora Parrish—Your love and support go well beyond a mother’s love. You are amazing.
Carl, Alisa, Katy, and Lisa—The best family ever!
Brenna, Judy, Kristyn, Denice, Kathleen, Gary, Carolyn, and Lori—great friends and supporters
Dave Long—It is such an amazing privilege to work with you.
Carrie Padgett—Not only a writing friend, but a true friend
Kelli Standish—For always “cheering me on”
To all the runners, past and present, whom I have hounded endlessly for coaching tidbits and personal experiences—Gary Brown, Emily Turvey, Liam Cetti, Kyle Krutenat, Garrett Iverson, Nate Fearer, Jansen Dahill, and many, many others