You did it again. You earned a top three finish (2nd to be exact) on one of the most mentally and physically challenging race courses that I have ever seen.
All marathons are hard but this course leaves you alone with your thoughts throughout the majority of the run. There are few spectators out there unless you count deer.
I am so proud of you. I realized yesterday that Jackson learned hard work, resilience and determination from you.
You train in the heat. You train when you haven’t slept. You train on vacation. You seek help when injuries threaten you and you keep at it.
You run alone because that’s what our schedule will allow. And you don’t listen to music...what the heck by the way? It’s just you and your thoughts.
Day in and day out, I see you - the boys and I see you - putting in the work.
And through all of it, you never miss a beat as an amazing father and husband. You never miss a minute of work.
I spend race days in a state of anxiety and excitement. I love seeing you on the course (why else would I willingly push seventy pounds of kid) and then waiting for you at the finish.
Watching you out kick that dude coming down the stretch yesterday will be one of my all-time favorite Chickamauga memories. At the end of the day, I know it hurt but you weren’t going to let him beat you.
Yesterday’s finish is a testimonial to your hard work, resilience (early Achilles pain and a late side stitch during the race) and determination to finish the best you could.
I am so proud of you. So, so proud.
143 babe,
Me
