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!
