I did it! Better yet we did it. My family and I drove to Cleveland yesterday, and spent the night to get ready for today's run, in the Rock and Roll Marathon. This has been a lifetime goal of mine, and this morning it came to fruition. I completed the race in 4:04:14. I finished 960 out of 9502 runners. We began the night on the town walking to a pasta restaurant.
We ended up at Teresa's Pizza and Pasta in Downtown Cleveland. I ate a large spaghetti and meatball supper, and the rest of the gang downed a pizza.
After a restless night, I walked outside to a jammed packed street full of runners. Almost 10,000 marathon runners. Our hotel was right on the street of the starting line. We stayed at the Hampton Inn. 
I ran in a pace group for most of the race, and my family was able to see me at the 2 mile mark and the 13 mile mark. Here is a shot of the kids giving some encouragement at 13 miles.
I really felt good throughout the race, and battled some leg cramps at around mile 23, but I wasn't winded or exhausted. My family greeted me at the finish line too. Anne snapped this photo just 100 yards from the finish line.
When I crossed the finish line they gave me a large medal and put it around my neck. I found myself weeping as I crossed the finish line. It was an amazing well of emotion that hit me as I ran through the finish line. I have experienced many victories in my life, but this was as sweet as any that I can remember.
It was so awesome to share this with my family. They were such great supporters in this whole training process and the race itself. Anne and I have shared so many good things together in our lives, and this was another great memory.
Most of you know how much I value setting goals and going for them. This ranks up there as one of my favorites. I learned a lot about myself today. I know what it is like to push the limits and talk yourself through it. I had such a sweet time with Jesus during the run, as I took in his creation and carried a 4 hour conversation from start to finish. I also had some heart-to-heart talks with the Holy Spirit, as I reminded him frequently that I was doing all I could do, and it was time for him to kick in. Hey, we do have an unfair advantage and I take advantage of it. I can't wait for the next marathon!
10 comments:
Congrats Pastor Jim! Your dedication is an inspiration. Way to go!
Jimmy, I'm soooo proud of you!! I'm overcome with emotion. The pictures are awesome. Sooo happy Anne, Josh, Hannah & Isaiah were there to share the time with you. Man, this really tops the 440 run at NHHS as a teenager! Ha! I couldn't resist. Relax lil brother and take in your win. Love you so much! Jamie
Congrats!
How awesome!! GOD is so good isnt he?!! You look just as refreshed at the end as you did at the beginning, and Anne looks as beautiful as ever!!! p.s. Annie did you lose weight? im soooo jealous!!!LOL Love ya all!!!
Awww Jimmy,,,, I am loving seeing the pics of you running the race, and finishing. Honestly, I never expected any less from you! But, what WAS cool was seeing how un-exhausted you looked at the end..You do the Brown name Proud. God gave you Anne and the things you've accomplished together are really what life is all about. Your memories, victories, and even what seems like defeats at the time, really aren't in the Long spectrum of life. Man, if they'd have kept you at Hagerstown Independent Church, where would your life have gone? I'm sure wonderful things there too..but Indiana is where you belonged. What a honor to have you as a brother. I loved how you said, you asked the Holy Spirit to kick in for you now!! Cool way to talk! Another proud sister, love you, Kim
Jim,, From Dad. He is standing here over my shoulder, he came down here to read your blog, and he wanted me to tell you "My Son, My Son!! Awesome!!".... (He is so proud of you Jim. He comes down here every so often JUST to read your blogs. He loves you and Anne and those kids sooo much) From Dad.
Thanks guys .. it was an awesome experience
congrats on accomplishing this goal. what a great memory to cherish.
Way to go Jim!!! Finishing in the top 10% of all runners is a Great accomplishment. Words that come to mind are Persistance and Persiverance. You Da Man!
Congratulations Jim! Those are some incredible numbers! Unlike you though, I'm built for short distances, usually to the mailbox and back in about 3-4 minutes.
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