We started out early with a beautiful drive into the city where a few people joined together to run an amazing 26.2 miles on a calm, cool 42 degree October Chicago day. Becky and I cycled around on our bikes to join the 1.7 million spectators cheering, ringing cow bells, clapping, screaming and supporting the runners. Becky even made some signs to pick up the mood and get the runners smiling...
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| Take your time, the Bears don't play till 3:00 |
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| Free Hugs |
Let me tell you, I was truly amazed at the amount of hugs she got. Now to the heart of the day, the runners. I wanted to cry so many times for a few reasons:
- the amazing achievement they would end their day with
- the mental strength these marathoners possessed. Yes, training is a key part of a race like this but not one of those people that crossed the finish line could have done it without a strong will power
- the number of people that selflessly raised money for so many different causes so they could share their day by helping others.
- you'll find this reason out in a bit.....
For Jim, this was marathon number 3 and I was so proud and so very very excited the few times I got to smile, scream and see him during the race. He trained hard for this, was mentally strong, physically fit, mighty fine to look at and possesses this internal strength from God that he can do anything and with that, he can. I love his attitude, determination, follow through and his ever growing medal collection :)
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| Mile .5 |
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| Mile 11 |
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| a quick kiss at Mile 24 |
Jim made the choice to run for Team CF this year and asked some friends to join him. With the record time the marathon registration closed in, running for a charity was one of the only ways to get in on the game this year. Candy, Sunni and Emily jumped on the chance to make their marathon debut and didn't hesitate, nor complain, about raising money. So alongside the training runs, the time away from their beautiful kids and awesomely supporting husbands, they jumped on the chance and raised in their own ways over $4,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A...MAZ...ING!
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| Candy & Emily at Mile 4 |
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| Sunni at Mile 11 |
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| Sunni at Mile 24 |
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| Emily & Candy at Mile 24 |
So, reason #4 that I mentioned above....I wanted to cry every time I saw Sunni, Candy and Emily running by, I couldn't stop thinking because of you and your time, Dean will have more days.
I'm proud, so very proud of the awesome run you did today. The awesome achievement and the strain you put on your body, your back, your knees, your shoulders, your hips, your poor toe Candy :( . We know it wasn't easy and we're so glad you did it. You all deserve that medal and so much more. Enjoy your time, your accomplishment, the glory and may God continue to bless everything you do.
And our parents never get the glory, right?!?! Without my parents today, we couldn't have done this race today. Thank you Omma & Obba for the marathon you put up with here today! And thank you Becky for being my cheer partner!
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| we love you daddy! |
Anyone out there want to run for our great cause in 2013, please let us know, we need runners and we promise we'll be out there to cheer you on!!!
