Surprise

As we were rounding the corner of mile nine on our run on Saturday, we saw a purple tent set up with staff members from our local team in training office.  They were standing by cheering us on as we turned to finish our last five miles.  As we were leaving the park, one of the workers run up beside us and said "You arrived ahead of schedule. Your families are on their way and will be here when you return."   

The last few miles the thought of seeing my family kept pushing me through to the end.  I was surprised to see that not only had my family made it but also our wonderful neighbors.  

I got a little taste of what it will be like on marathon day.  The cow bells ringing, the signs waving, and the feeling of great accomplishment.

Thank you Lance, Morgan, Landon, Mauryn, Pat, Val, Amiah, and Cooper for coming to surprise me! I know it wasn't easy coordinating everyone's schedules to be at the finish line but it really made my day to see all of you there supporting me.

the final leg of the run

this is right after i finished - ignore the bed head, sweaty head, in need of a haircut hair

why i didn't drop my coat along the way i will never know - it was such a pain to have that thing on me during the run

the family

* thanks Val for taking pictures :o)