Day 3

Marathon Day!

I finally got a good nights rest! Hurray! Probably about 7 hours, go me! After we woke up, Kelli and I followed my Uncle John in a caravan to the spot where we would be watching the marathon. I don't remember exactly the places we were driving through, but probably one of the prettiest drives I have ever taken. We decided it's not as green as Oregon, but it has a lot more earth tones to it that make up a beautiful palette of colors. It has you greens, oranges, browns, yellows, whites, blues. So natural. Everyday day I spend here is just one more day of motivation to come out here and live some day.

So, after the beautiful drive, we made it to our spot on the marathon course. It was right after they hit the half marathon, right before mile 14. So, at that point most people were feeling pretty good. We got to see the elite men and women go by surrounded by police and then the whole swarm of over 27000 people followed behind them! I was getting updates on the runners times every 5000 meters, so I would know when they hit the half marathon. And once they hit the half marathon it became a where's waldo in a marathon. There are just so many people out there that you're eyes become tired trying to look for people you know. But it's so worth it!! We didn't miss anyone. We got to see my uncle Chris come by first, then my friend Jeff Masterson, a couple of my dads running buddies, my dad and then sue! Kelli got to run a few steps with my dad as she gave him a water bottle, so basically, Kelli ran the Boston Marathon. In between seeing people we knew and after everyone passes, we still stayed on the course and cheered on everyone else. When someone ran by with an oregon shirt, Kelli and I would erupt with loudness! And there were a lot of people who put their name on their shirt, so we could cheer them on by name. It was so fun to be apart of that! Next marathon we go to, we're having a contest to see how many acknowledgments we can get from the runners - whether a wave, a point, or a thank you. People running are so nice and thankful that you're out there cheering that it makes it so fun for us! Anyway, everyone finished. My dad was hurting a little, but he surpassed his expectation of finishing the race! I'm so proud of him!

The marathon took up a good amount of the day, so after we headed to my uncles house and my uncle who didn't run the marathon went for a run with me while Kelli rode the bike. Word to the wise - Boston, not a bike friendly town... Then we had some pizza for dinner, returned the rental car and lounged around so the marathoners didn't have to move. And we ate ice cream.

Another great day with great experiences!

Oh, and today I decided I want to be a marathoner.... Who ever thought I would say those words. But it looks sooo fun. Have you tiring, exhausting, and dumb.... but fun.