Dave's 5th (and likely last) Marathon

Last Sunday Dave ran the Dallas White Rock Marathon. He started out 3 years ago saying he was going to run 1 marathon, just to say he'd done it. Oh, and he wanted to do it in less than 4 hours. We've figured out that up until this point, he has had the WORST luck when it comes to marathon weather. His first, the Cowtown (Fort Worth) was nearly a dust storm-- it was SO windy! His second, Marine Corp, actually wasn't too bad, but it was a bit warm. His 3rd, Chicago, was HOT HOT HOT. When he finished that one (which is in October) it was 80 degrees! His 4th, White Rock last year, was SUPER windy again and very warm. So, this year we were really praying/crossing our fingers that the weather (and his legs) would cooperate. We were skeptical the night before as the forecast was for it to be unseasonably warm. But God answers our prayers and it was the perfect day! It stayed overcast the whole time. It was cool, but not freezing (which was nice for us spectators!).

Here are a few pics of Dave (and a few of some fellow runners):

It's like "Where's Waldo" except it's obvious because Dave is 2ft taller than everyone else! This is at mile 4 when it's still a sea of people.

Mile 9.

William made a friend while we were waiting for Dave at mile 14. He was a 6 month old Great Dane. Already 75lbs, with another 50 to go! William LOVED him.

Mile 14. Feeling good.

NOT Dave!

A group of guys (obviously) dressed up a Michael Jackson ran the relay. He had these little boom boxes attached to their waists playing/singing Michael Jackson songs the whole time. We saw them several times, and it was hilarious!

Mile 20. Starting to feel a little tired!

about 100 yards from the finish!!!! And, if you're wondering about the red on his shirt-- ya, it's blood. Dave forgot to put bandaids on his nipples, so they rubbed themselves raw! O.U.C.H.

about to cross the finish line! The clock said 4hr01min, but he was 6 minutes from the start, so his chip time was 3hr55min30seconds!

So, he's saying that this is it for marathons since he FINALLY reached his goal of doing it in less than 4 hours. We were VERY excited for him, and we're looking forward to having him home on Saturday mornings now. Yeah for no more long runs!