Mark has been training for months in some not-so-great weather conditions to prepare for his first marathon. He truly made it look so effortless. Had I never run one before I would really question if it was easier than people say it is. It's not. He's amazing.
We started the morning off early with a 6am arrival to the start line. He quickly made friends with some other runners and we left him to settle in and head down to the next start line. The beginning of the run was great. CR had a lane blocked off the entire first half so there was plenty of room to run and pretty scenic views.
While the miles disappeared under Mark's feet, the girls and I drove to North Liberty to meet up with my sisters and find our own start line. My sisters and Tristan jumped in my car and the girls jumped in with my brother-in-law for a fun-filled morning of cheering on runners. They had their signs all ready to spread some energy to exhausted runners!
My sisters, Tristan and I headed to the start line for the half. It was a bit chilly to start, but we all knew that once we got moving it really was the perfect weather for a run. Jenisa and Tristan planned to start a little ahead of Jessica and I, so we bid our farewells and the next thing we knew the gun went off.
The beginning of the run was beautiful around a pond and some really pretty houses. By the time we hit the trail though, things started to get a bit congested. For Mark, he really enjoyed running Hwy 965, but once he arrived in North Liberty things narrowed down to one lane and it got a little tight for him. The marathoners combined with the half marathoners and things narrowed to a trail (and at times even a sidewalk), so it was difficult for him to pass other runners. Coupled with the fact that we ran straight north to south, there was no break from the headwind all morning either.
Even with the congestion, headwinds and ending mile 25 on the hill at Hawkins Drive, Mark clocked an amazing run at 4 hrs. 10 min. It was a really hilly run and after talking with others who have run multiple marathons, one of the more difficult courses that they have run.
What an incredible day for an inaugural race. The CRandIC did not disappoint and Mark and Jessica both knocked off a bucket list item!
So grateful for such an awesome support system! As we did the Hawkeye wave standing inside the stadium, it was hard to not get caught up in all that has happened since we were across the street. Thinking and praying for all of the families at UIHC when we were there and the ones that are there now. Praying for all of the kids at St. Judes and knowing how lucky we are to be healthy enough to run for them. Thankful for all of those that donated to St. Judes heroes and praying that they'll never know what the inside of St. Judes looks like.
Not very often we both get to run in the same race together. It was awesome having family willing to hang with the girls all morning so that they could be at the finish line. This will definitely be one for the memory book!
Of course, the girls had to do a few touchdown dances in the endzone before we left. What an awesome experience to see what it is like to run like a Hawkeye FB player!
Post race beverages in honor of a first run and a super sweet boy that helped us get there. 65.5 more miles logged with him by our sides.
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