Running the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon was absolutely the most difficult thing I have ever done.  I expected to be challenged by the grueling 26.2 miles, but I had no idea that it was going to be so physically and mentally demanding.  Never in my life have I attempted or completed so exhausting a feat, and, after 14 long weeks of training and 1 crazy Saturday, I have never been happier to have a goal completed and behind me.  Thank you for all of your well wishes and support throughout the past 3 months.  Thank you to my wife, Quinn, for being a great running partner.  She is the strongest runner I know, and she proved it throughout her race.  It was pure joy training with her over the past 3 months, and I look forward to future races with her by my side.  Here are some photos to share our day with you!

A map stating the start of the race.  Trying to figure out how to get from here to…

…here.  The finish line.

Packet pick-up at the convention center.

Running bibs…

Quinn’s running bib…

My running bib…

Plenty of fuel for the road.  I would recommend Power Bar gels, just not the chocolate.  Consistency was way too thick.

Pre-race jitters…literally jitters due to the briskness of the morning!

More pre-race jittering.  Lost some of our layers as we get warm and get ready.

Last minute strategy session.

Visualizing the finish.

Somewhere between 9 and 10 miles.  This is on 38th street before heading north to Broadripple.

We’re pretty happy at this point.  Water break.

Quinn losing some layers.  It got up into the 70′s! about 35 degrees warmer than what we had trained at.

Michael jumped in and ran a quick 6 miles with us.  Great help.  Nice to have someone new to talk to!

Another water break.  Still happy.

Quinn with her parents after finishing her race.  She finished 8th in her age division!

Getting ready to cross the finish line.  Turn off of West Street was the last.  So close!  Quinn’s mom and her dog helped me get there!

Quinn and I closing it out.  I was in pain.  Dehydrated and cramping since mile 18.  Ouch!

Hand in hand, crossing the finish line.

Attempting to stave off the shivers and stay warm!  The foil looks weird, but they actually work.

Quinn’s parents, Diddles the dog, and us. Indiana state capitol in the background.  Trying to re-hydrate!

Dr. Steven Airey, Quinn, Michael Ladd, and I.

Our good friend Ryan Sawrie, who also completed the marathon, with us and family.  His wife, Katie, (not pictured) completed the 1/2.  They rock!

The day after, Quinn in her Marathon gear and medal.

Bling…runners style.

The day after, fully re-hydrated and feeling great again.  I owe a big thanks to the St. Francis Hospital & Health Center staff for providing me with 2 free liters of saline solution right after the race.  They cured my dehydration with a nice IV and some great service.  I know a lot of us were extremely grateful to have them there!

1. Parke is now the family chef, cleaner and laundry man.
2. Our 6:30am marathon training now happens at 5:00am due to earlier classes.
3. Quinn has begun using really big words…already.
4. Our time schedules have become even tighter, which, as it turns out, is not such a bad thing.

Other than that, not much else has changed!  Thanks again for all of your support.

Parke!  Life is not a dress rehearsal.  Make sure you live it now and live it well.

A great reminder from my lovely and inspiring wife.  Here is one from Steve Jobs:

For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”  And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something…almost everything-all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure-these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.  Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose

-Steve Jobs