The boys enjoyed playing at Papa and Nana's house while I went with John to the expo in downtown St. Paul to pick up his number, info, etc. It was fun to have a little time alone with him, as we've been so busy lately. The boys had a fun time with their favorite toys at Nana's house: trains and the awesome kitchen!
At the expo I picked up some signs to make with the kids. Logan loved creating his special sign for Daddy. We had to practice cheering, of course!
The day of the big race, John was up and out early. Thanks to Bob (aka: Bopbop) for driving John out to the Metrodome so early in the morning! It was just the weather John had been hoping for: cool, crisp, not too warm, but sunny. While John started his run, I was busy bundling the kids and packing the Swagger Wagon with our supplies for the day! My parents and I took the kids to one of our favorite places to see John at the 16 miles mark. We camped out on the boulevard at West River Parkway along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. There were drums, a little girl selling concessions, and lots of people to cheer. We had a great time!
We were some of the first to arrive at this spot at about 9:15am. Shortly, we saw some of the Wheelers start to pass, and then, surprisingly, we saw the first Marathoners. Amazing!
Amy arrived and we played a little soccer!
Bennett snuggled with me! Yay!
Bennett enjoyed grazing...Logan and Amy discussing the race!
P & N with B...our station - waiting for John as he gets closer!
Amy and B...Andrew arrived and showed Logan how to use the thunder sticks!
This was one of my favorite signs. And so true. John was FAST. Bob followed John along the course, meeting him at mile 7, 14, and 24. After mile 14, we figured it would be about 10:30 when he arrive to mile 16-17 where we were waiting. As I waited and counted down, I looked at the road and saw JOHN! Early! Running! Fast! Looking great! Well, I panicked a little and wasn't quite ready. We weren't holding signs or taking photos or video - all of which I intended! But we were jumping and screaming, for sure!
THERE HE IS!
He was "tired but doing great". He stopped, gave hugs and kisses, picked up some extra GU packets, and continued on!
I have to take this chance to explain John's marathon attitude. His mantra: "Let the race come to me". He was just working toward a time under four hours (we knew that would be totally do-able for him). He was not over-obsessive about his training. He was not crazy about pushing himself to beat any crazy goals. His goal was to enjoy himself and to finish. And it paid off. Big time!
That's why he was so willing to stop to hug and kiss the boys (and me, too, of course!).
After we saw John at the parkway, we loaded up the Swagger Wagon (seriously, how much did I love having a mini-van where we could all pile in together with just one vehicle for this event!) and headed to the finish at the State Capitol.
What a sight. The event is really amazing and was so fun to spectate.
We climbed the bleachers at the finish line and then before we knew it, we saw JOHN in the distance, making his way, pumping his fists in the air! Enlarge this photo by clicking on it, then you can see JOHN in RED along the left side of the road.
Almost to the finish!
We caught up with John right away - what a moment! What an accomplishment!
We are so proud of Daddy. Logan's favorite new game is to run around while I cheer him on...just like Daddy. We enjoyed a yummy lunch at the FrieghtHouse in Stillwater with my family and Bob. What a great celebration on the outdoor patio!
John finished in 3:36. Amazing.
Way to go, honey. We are all so proud of you. You were patient and the race came to you.
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