You guys, he did AMAZING. He made it look easy. He doesn't like running much, but he is GOOD at it. He was averaging 8 minute miles most of his training. Crazy, right?! He averaged a ten minute pace for the whole marathon and that is amazing. I cannot even fathom that. I am not a runner in the least and could never do that.
He ran for The Hope Water Project and raised over $2,000 to give clean water to the Pokot people in Kenya. To say I am proud of him is an understatement! That is a pretty incredible accomplishment!
My brother, Brad, came in from Chicago and met us at the 22 miler to cheer Eric on. Eric had been smiling and waving at every other cheer section, but at this one you could tell he was getting tired. Also? Garth had been saying he was thinking about running another marathon next year with some guys from work. But at the 22 mile marker when he saw the runners' faces. The agony. The fatigue. Garth looked at me and said, "It all came back to me. All the pain. How every mile after 22 felt like an eternity. The suffering. I'm not doing it again." Then I started remembering Grumpy Garth during those training months and I'm glad he decided against another marathon.
But I digress. Eric! He did so good! He was a natural! We are all so proud of him and so grateful he could finish the race without any injury or pains after all that training. He was so cold after. His lips were even a bit blue. My dad and Garth were giving him jackets and gloves and scarves to get warm. He was sore and tired and I think just relieved it was over.
It was so fun to cheer him on at different parts of the race. I was afraid security would be really tight since the Boston Marathon, but it wasn't that bad. We were able to see Eric five different times and cheer our hearts out for him. So cool.
My favorite sign was at the 22 miler: "Run faster! The Kenyans are drinking all the beer." There was also one at the finish line that was clever: "Because 26.3 would be crazy." Ha! There weren't that many dressed up, though there was a guy with a sweet mohawk. Two women were dressed as Superwoman and Wonder Woman which was cool.
Overall, it was a great experience. I think it was cool for Garth to be on the other side of the marathon! He even admitted it was a lot of work and tiring cheering. Now he understands what we went through last year! After the race we brought back pizza and beer to my brother and SIL's house and enjoyed a relaxing lunch. A great end to a great day! Congrats again, Eric! You did amazing!!!!!
1 comment:
So glad your brother was able to do run the marathon for such a great cause!!! Congrats to him!
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