The Way It Really Was!

So I felt that I should take the time to tell about the thrill of the Chicago Marathon in my own words. What a day! And one so well spent. I have never been to a marathon. But let's just say I would TOTALLY go again. They are so inspiring. I now how such respect for these athletes. What dedication and hard work.

I must say I was quite surprised, yet absolutely thrilled at how supportive the crowd was for each and every wave of runners that swept by.

Well anway!

We took the train down to China Town. There were so many people on the train that we got stuck watching some of the runners pass way up from the train station. The crowd was huge!!!!

When we finally got down to the street level, each of us kept asking Jake when Sheri was supposed to come by. She had started a little after 8:00. It was now after 11. We waited rather excitedly for a pink hat, pink shirt, and black pants to appear on the screen. As I watched the runners pass, viewing some of them, I felt a little nervous anticipation!!! Was Sheri this tired? Was she ok? Was she getting any cramps. We had prayed so hard for no side cramps and no shin splints. Around 11:45 or something, Chad disappeared from his spot high on a barrel. And then we saw her! I was so excited. She looked so good! So pretty, actually. Definitely didn't look like she had been running for over 3 hours. She looked so happy and like she was having fun! And she just plugged along! We cheered and screamed for her! And she waved back. But no stopping for her! She kept on to the finish line.

We moved to the next spot. You know we really did have good viewings along the way. Once again we waited excitedly. Had we missed her!!!! But no, there she appeared---an hour after the first pass. She looked tired, but still so good! We screamed and shouted again and even ran a little with her. She was almost done. Only a mile to go.

An hour later we met her at the hotel. She had beaten us there. Walked all the way from the finish line to the hotel. She says that is good for you. She looked so good, once again. Worn from 26 miles and 4 hours and 20 minutes of running. But in such good shape, so pretty, and so happy. She had achieved her goal. She told us all about the people she had met along the way, the food she had eaten, and the plug along the way!!!! Wow do they feed and hydrate these people---water, gatarade, bagels, oranges, nuts, bananans, you name it. My sister was smart. She had her cliff bars!!!!! She knows how to take care of herself. And she got a medal for finishing.

I must say again that I truly admire these people. Even the ones that had to walk for a few minutes. I mean, this takes dedication, care, planning, determination----and a dream!!!!!

I was so proud of my sister! Have I said that enough. She started something, had a dream, made it a goal, worked for it, got into it, and accomplished it! And what an honor it is to be called her sister!!! What a memory to support her as a family like we did on October 12, 2008!!!!!

I love you, Sheri! What hope you give!