A Marathon Finish

I've mentioned this a couple of times; my husband loves the outdoors.  I think this same admiration for fresh air has led him to pick his favorite form of exercise: RUNNING.  I remember he enjoyed this during our college years and then you get married-start a career-have kids...and, well, you kind off let some things go.  I'm very proud to say that for years now he has consistently taken to running several times a week as his primary source of exercise.  Just for fun he has run some 5k's, 10k's and even a few 1/2 marathons.  

A few weeks back he had the opportunity to agree to run this year's L.A. Marathon: a full 26.2 miles course from Los Angeles to Santa Monica!  What can I say, he is a guy, and jumped on the opportunity.  I don't think I've ever seen my husband more nervous than these last couple of days.  This was a trial, a triumph; he just had to try.  He got up at 4:00 a.m. this morning met up with one of my sisters and together drove to Los Angeles to pick up my youngest sister (this was her second marathon, way to go girl!) and then headed towards the starting line at Dodger Stadium to be dropped off.  There was no turning back now.  A small wait for the blowing of the starting line horn and he was off.

the 2012 L.A. Marathon finish medal

The kids and I nervously prayed and watched the elite runners on T.V.  All the time wondering where and how dad was doing.  He called me at about the 16th mile and said he needed to walk for a bit.  It wasn't fatigue, just the onset of possible muscle spasms (oh no!)  After a few minutes he said he had to pick up the pace and continue.  It was now determination time.  I didn't hear from him again until 1/2 mile from the finish.  Yes, he's almost there! And then the final call, A MARATHON FINISH, he had crossed unto that triumphant sense of accomplishment.  We are so proud of you, you are amazing and ever so blessed.

at the finish after 4hrs & 50mins of running, not bad for his 1st marathon

He is home now.  I'm sure this will be an experience he'll never forget, but guess what he gets to do next.  While, yes indeed, the kids are all excited for him; they can't wait to just cuddle and watch Hugo with him tonight ; )  And so is life ... God is great!