This race wasn't about a PR for me. It was about helping my younger big brother cross that finish line. Wow. What a cool, experience. I love running. Can I just say that I love running the most? Everything that it does for people. And everything that it is, and everything that it means, and what it accomplishes? I love running.
We parked and rode trax to the start, feeling pretty good. Beautiful, amazing cloudy overcast skies and cool temps. It was perfect running weather. Saw JD at the start, we were able to party for a minute, wish each other luck and off he went. I love how the SL does the national anthem at the beginning. Very Cool. We ran with Cameron's buddy from college who is going through a rough patch right now. The furthest his buddy had run was 5 miles prior to this due to circumstances in his life. But he did amazing. He stayed with us until about mile 9.5 {liberty park} where he needed to stop and walk. I hope he made it to the finish alright. They were both rockin btwn 10:30 to 10:45 avg pace until that point. I was proud of them. Then the wall came. Cam hit it pretty hard around 10.5- he slowed way down to around 11:45's and 12:30's. We did some walking at that point. We would walk, count to 10 and then run again. JD came back on the course after he had finished his race and ran with us. We were at around mile 11 then? It was good to see him. Always motivating to see someone you know during a race. Cam was struggling a bit at this point but he was moving! Just keep on moving! In our family, we are cryer's so around mile 12 he started to get emotional. I kept using allie's tagline "keep it together" bc once you start to cry while running, its hard to breathe and he needed all that he had left in him to finish. We turned into Gateway and suddenly Kelli was yelling "Go JD! Go Lysa!" It was fun to see her! Then JD got off the course and Cam and I ran into the finish. This is where he decided to SPRINT. Saw my parents, his inlaws, and his wife on the side cheering us on. Awesome! Crossed the finish line and my garmin said 2:27, the clock said 2:28..so who knows what the chip time will say. I will edit when I find out. But again, he got emotional. Which of course gives me the frog in my throat and tears in my eyes. I was so proud of him. He was dead. He felt sick, he couldn't talk, he was getting really frustrated with the crowd. He just needed to sit down. Cameron is about 260 lbs and is 6'4" so he is a big guy. With a lot of heart. This was an amazing accomplishment for him {as it is for anyone!} and I'm so happy he felt that glory. That proud, emotional, feeling that comes when you finish your first race. I hope he continues on this path and realizes all that it will become. So PARTY ON PEOPLE, AND HAPPY RUNNING!!
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