Monday, September 15, 2008

13.1

I'm not a runner and I have well-founded doubts that I ever will be. My mom and dad, however, just finished up their first half marathon this weekend in Chicago! They've been training for a little while now and despite the harder concrete of the city and the ridiculous weather conditions, they both finished at the respective pace they each planned on running. Hauna, who was on her second half marathon ran with my mom and kept her company during the 13.1 wet and miserable miles.

Jakob and I watched from the start and finish lines and got thoroughly soaked during the race. It would have been more enjoyable for all parties, had it not been raining for days on end in Chicago, but we made due and cheered all of the runners on. I'm so proud of my mom and dad (and sister) for completing this race and for aspiring to such an accomplishment. It's hard to not get chills watching thousands of runners cross the finish line at the end. Some have done it many times, some were limping toward their goal, but all of their faces were so proud.

After the race, we drove home, dried off and spent the rest of Sunday watching football, eating, and being lazy. I'm inspired by my family's hard work and determination that I saw yesterday and throughout their training. Maybe some day I'll attempt to run one mile, let alone more than 13!

8 comments:

Melissa said...

Awesome! I remember how neat it was to be at the (full-length) marathon last year, watching runners pursue their goals. But seriously - what is it with Chicago races and bad weather?!

Anonymous said...

I am very impressed! I think I could do the .1 part, but that's about it!

Amy and Andrew said...

Maybe we should start by brushing up on that race to the playground...

Sarah said...

Oh brother. We were sore for days after a 20 yard sprint. I think we're hopeless!

Simply Stork said...

oh boy...I too am very impressed...I'm lucky if I make it to the walking park to do just that..."walk"

~simply~

Anonymous said...

Amazing. Congratulations to your folks on their accomplishment. Really AMAZING. I can't even tell you how much I'm never going to do that - especially in rain.

Anonymous said...

What an accomplishment! Way to go! I am not a runner and can only imagine the work it took to get you there. Nice job!

Hauna said...

I think on a day like Sunday the fans were tougher than the runners. Sarah and Jakob deserve medals for standing 2+ hours in the rain to cheer us on at the finish line!