Well, I have been trying a few times to post one or more pictures of our trip to the North shore--without success. Seems like the software that wants to pull the picture over is too complex for this lil machine--and it simply bogs it down and it times out. So, no pictures! Worse yet, I can't even sign in to this blog from work--I can access it, but can't sign in. Not sure what kind of gremlin spies we have working at work--but they're certainly interfering with my productive playtime.
Anyway...slow week. Just got back from rollerskating with Antonio. We usually get 5-6 laps around the rink and he's ready to call it a night. Tonight we went to the bookstore and bought a book. He's in sixth grade and I hope to have him spend more time reading; typically he spends most of his spare time watching TV or listening to the radio. I am calling him on Sunday night to see how the reading is going. We bought a book that is not much more than a comic book--except the story line has a bit of substance. We may have to move backward to Spiderman next time!
Friday is Cindy's birthday. We're going to the St. Paul Hotel--with a gift certificate from the kids. Should be really nice!
Did I give a marathon report yet? Don't think so...had a great race. It was a blast...rained the first eleven miles-where the spectators had a tougher time than the runners--just standing there, getting poured on. The entire race was beautiful and the course was lined with thousands of energized spectators--ton of energy. I felt good the entire race and just had fun (you non-marathoners may think I am crazy...how can running all that way be fun??)--gave hundreds of high fives to the kids along the route, enjoyed the music, and finished the race feeling good. Perhaps the highlight was turning the corner at mile 26 and seeing a huge American flage draped between two cranes--it was probably 80 by 160 feet! Incredible. The end of races are always emotional for me--due partly to the extreme fatigue--and partly to the exilaration of finishing--but I also always feel very grateful to be able to participate. Living in this land of freedom and opportunity is also a great blessing--brought home, easily, by the flag, waving in the wind. I was and am grateful. Cindy, Nate, and Leanna were there also--providing encouragement and comfort at the end (and making sure we could locate the ever necessary root beer float!). My training caused me to believe that this may have been my last marathon. However, the race day changed all of that. I managed through the adversity of my last month of training--endured it...and was blessed with a very rewarding race day. I should also say that these recreational events are just that--wholesome recreational activities--part of the joy I experience in life. But they are not the essence of life...merely a topping...never a priority--merely recreation. I would hope that I have always put the more important things in life (family member's needs, service to others, etc.) ahead of any of this fun stuff.
Okay, so here's a shocker...Cindy is gone this week and I have the dogs...so, I am off to entertain the dogs! Dad
2 comments:
Thanks for posting, dad. I loved reading your marathon-post-race-commentary. I agree- it was a WONDERFUL experience. It was honestly my FAVORITE race I've run so far - (even though I wimped out at mile 14) - it was such an exhilerating experience to be running in the pouring (and cold) rain & I too received LOTS & LOTS of high-fives from kids on the road. I love it!!! There were so many spectators & it was BEAUTIFUL!!! I cant wait to run it next year (and cross the finish line...) - it was a really cool finish line. When I saw the finish line, I was a little bummed that I wasnt crossing it too...but...I need to start your training regimen, so I feel stronger on the race day!!!
Anyway, if you'd like...I'm already planning on running it next year...so, hopefully I wont be the only one in our family...I'm thinking I should be able to recruit someone :) It was a really incredible experience & I loved it...The one great thing about ditching out early was that I was able to watch dad at the finish...HE WAS SO STRONG!!!! And, it looked so easy for him!!!! It was fun to be on the sidelines watching, instead of 5 miles behind him. :)
Dad, hope you're having fun with the dogs :)
And, I'm glad you're going to the St Paul Hotel - you'll love it. It looks beautiful!!
Wow, there will be no showing up Leanna with this post, just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your thoughts Pete, gracias.
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