My Dad was into running during the 70's and 80's when everyone was doing it. When I turned 30, I thought it would be a neat idea to run a race, my first would be a 5k, and my dad and husband would also run (which is another great story) and when we were hooked I'd sign us up for every race. That was 4 years ago [1995]. Since then dad, started running again and was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes, so running was going to be part of the new lifestyle. I decided I was going to run a marathon. I asked dad and he said no way! But I'll help you train. Well, as we trained dad was getting more into it and when the cutoff to send in your entry was nearing, he sent his in. It was official: we were going to do Chicago. This was really great because even though we live in Ohio, Dad grew up in Chicago and I was born there and we moved my stepson there in the summer. It was really an occasion. When I told my husband that I was going to run a marathon, he wanted to be supportive but just said, "Honey you have know idea how far a marathon is." Our daughter was there then and just loved hearing me say that I was going to do a marathon. Well, marathon weekend comes and we go to Chicago; dad drives up to see Grandma a day before and we were to meet at the Expo. Well we missed each other and I was frantic! I couldn't get hold of dad and we weren't staying at the same hotel, but later that day he calls us and we decide to meet race morning at the 10-minute mile marker. Well guess what? There were too many people at the 10 minute marker--my husband and daughter are looking everywhere for dad and Annie and my brother Kerry. It got to the race start and still couldn't find dad. I was very upset. We trained together for 18 weeks did all of our long runs together and I couldn't find him. The race is off and I guess I'll do it by myself. I brought the disposable camera with me and off I go! It took 10 minutes just to get to the starting line, ready to go. I run along just fine, taking pictures and looking at all the cows everywhere, they were great! At about mile 14, I hook up with one of the rabbits and was going to follow him to the finish line, he was very nice and said to stick with him and he would get me to the finish on time. The weather had warmed up quite a bit and I had tied my jacket around my waist had camera flapping in the pocket and was beginning to drag a little. I was bummed because I was running this big day on my own and still hadn't found dad. Well, I started to have bathroom problems and was starting to slow down a bit, struggling to keep up with my rabbit, but mile-by-mile, I was still hanging in. Mile 16, goes, 17 goes, 18 goes, and I'm really getting tired and just plugging along and look up and see DAD at mile 19. What do you know, he was right in front of me! I start screaming "Dad, Dad" and we started hugging. I was almost crying and told the rabbit I was staying with dad. Dad wasn't doing so well, his hip was hurting and I had made so many bathroom stops but we kept on going. I was so thrilled to find him, I had a rush of energy that was unbelievable. We kept on going and didn't talk a lot but by mile 20, I was feeling better. Mile 21, 22, 23, 24, with each mile I knew we could do it. Right before the finish line I heard my husband and daughter on the side screaming and yelling for me and I turned and pointed to dad. He was behind me! It was so exciting I still get chills. When we got close to the finish line, I asked Dad to hold my hand as we went over the finish. It's a wonderful picture and then I just started crying. I couldn't believe we did it! Dad was complaining: "Don't you ever let me get talked into doing this again!" We got our medals and I was still crying. Not long after that I told dad I was going to run the Flying Pig...yes, you guessed it! We did that one together the whole way! It was a great experience, you have know idea of how strong you are and what you can do. It was great!
