Chicago Marathon 2010

I'm proud of Sharon!  I was a little nervous at the start because she ran her first mile in 5:30, which was 30 seconds faster than her target pace.  After about 10 miles, she either got her pace under control or she was really tired because she finally slowed down to about 6:15 per mile.  She ran the marathon in 2 hours and 41 minutes averaging 6:08 a mile.  I was excited for her when she crossed the finish line for the first time in a marathon race.  

Because she ran a good 10 mile race in Michigan, she got to hang with the elite runners before the race.  She got some special treatment which included......her own bathroom And after her experience in the Nashville half marathon, the private porta-potty was a big deal!  Based on her time, she qualified for the 2012 Olympic trials.  After watching her train for this marathon, I nicknamed her the "heat seeking missile" because nothing could shake her from her target.  She got up and found a way to run every single day, wind rain or shine, and she did it with a weird schedule involving two kids and my unpredictable work patterns.  I was really impressed.    

Walking with her marathon coach, Gary Brimmer.  It was strange because she was not complaining about her legs, she was complaining about her......spine. I thought that was strange but it might have something to do with the epidural.  

We stepped into Ditka's Steakhouse.  It's a cool little place and it's great for sports fans.  There's a lot of football history there.

Great dinner at the old Sears Tower with Pastor Dickie and her brother Ben.  

Her best fans.

We took some time after the race to get out and see Chicago.  We took a boat tour and saw some beautiful sights.

The city was beautiful at night.

Great view!

I'm happy for Sharon to hit her goal and I'm really happy that our son, Luke, was old enough to at least appreciate mommy working each day towards a goal.  I think he understands that mommy runs fast because mommy works hard.  I'm proud of her.  Three time Olympic Trials Qualifier! 2004, 2008, and now 2012! She's had a great career.  Now if I could just quit knocking her up.....