Jackson and me at the Fun Run
Tod at the starting line
My spot at the 26 mile marker
Tod at the half way point still smiling as he grabs a gel for the second half!
Barely smiling in the rain at the finish. A job well done!This past weekend, our family headed down to Myrtle Beach for their annual Marathon weekend. On friday night there is a 5K and a family fun run (which Jackson and I did) and then on Saturday there is a half and full marathon. Last year, Tod and I both did the half and had a great time. Due to some nagging injuries, I decided to sit the race out this year and I was so glad that I did. It allowed me to focus on Tod's first full marathon. He has trained so hard for this race and had set a goal of 4 hours. After weekend after weekend after weekend of long 18 mile runs, the race was finally here. We awoke to perfect running weather; cloudy and in the upper 40's. There was rain in the forecast but we were hopeful. I headed out with Tod to the starting line and watched the huge mob take off. I then headed to the halfway point to wait for Tod to come through. I was able to watch a lot of my friends finish the half marathon course while I waited. Much to my surprise, Tod came through at 1 hour and 50 minutes, which equates to a 3hour and 40 minute marathon. Much faster than he had planned but he was feeling good and strong and smiling big as I re-loaded him with gels for the second half. I was very nervous about whether he would be able to hold his pace or if he would crash from going out too fast. Time seemed to stand still as I waited at the finish for him. Finally at 3 hours and 54 minautes I saw him coming in. It has started to rain about 20 minutes earlier, but all in all the weather held out for him. I ran him into the finish and he ultimately beat his goal by finishing in 3 hours and 55 minutes; an awesome marathon time, especially for a beginner. And while he hobbled around much of Saturday and Sunday but felt much better on Monday (he even got on his bike to start training for his triathlon in 4 weeks!!!)
The rest of the weekend was spent shopping and eating and playing. Jackson and I did the Family Fun Run on Friday night (his second time) where he came in at 10 minutes for 1 mile; his best time ever! All in all we had an awesome time and can't wait to go back next year!