Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Today's the Big Day!

It's 6 am and we're already out at the starting line cheering on our runner! He is just about to begin his tenth marathon and we're excited to be here to cheer him on!

Next, it was back to our hotel for breakfast and to get everyone dressed. Then we headed to Marathon, Iowa towards the finish line area.

There was a Tot Trot for the little ones - here are our participants:


Other shots from the day:
At one point in the morning, I had hoped to go and run a bit with my Dad. I am NOT a runner, but had done a little practicing and eventually decided to just go out there and wing it! Here he comes:

We ran two miles together! Beginning just after mile 18 started up to mile 20! There we go ...

Nearly five and a half hours later, here he is with his medal! We are so proud of you, Dad!!!
Most people there had no idea of his situation and I found myself wanting them to know - so they would realize what an accomplishment this was!


Marathon Man
(written by my Dad: June 3, 2009)

Out there is a fellow named Dan
Who runs just as far as he can;
"There are cancer survivors
And then there are thrivers"
He said as he went out and ran.

20 comments:

Mom said...

Great photos of Dad's big day! (I had not seen the one of him with Grandma -- love it!) I'm proud of you for running with him for awhile -- it meant a lot to him. :) Thanks for sharing -- love and miss you, Mom

Amy said...

How sweet! What an accomplishment for your dad and I am so impressed you made it two miles (from one non-runner to another)! Great job!! Continuing prayers for your dad

Grace said...

i am so proud of your dad and you!!

a mom of many said...

Thanks for sharing your family's special celebration! Your father is an inspiration. God Bless Him!

Cheryl said...

You had me teary eyed again today. Thanks for sharing your pics of your Dad's bid day. That is so wonderful that you ran two miles with him. I am sure it meant a lot to him. He's surviving, thriving and living his life. I loved his poem.

Anonymous said...

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
YOU HAVE SOME GREAT PICS OF OUR
EVENT. WE'LL DO ANOTHER ONE NEXT
YEAR.

LOVE, DAD

Heather said...

Wow, this has me crying too! Wasn't expecting it, but my mom is a survivor and thriver as well and this touched a nerve. What a wonderful thing you did by running with him! What a great post...thanks for sharing.

Heather

Anonymous said...

Just awesome...your pics sum it all up! Very proud of your Dad and you too!

Blissful & Domestic said...

that is amazing. What an amazing father you have. such an inspiration

Elise said...

Oh wow, your Dad is amazing!! That is great!! I don't think I could have walked that let alone run it. Mr. Dan rocks!!
Elise

Anonymous said...

Wow! What great photos! Thanks for sharing them, Monica.

I do wish I could have been there too, but I was definitely with you all in spirit.

We are all so very proud of your dad and his accomplishments, but most of all for his GREAT attitude and spirit of survival!

Your Mom's idea of the t-shirts was just great as was your presenting him with the medals.

Thanks again for sharing.

Love you, Grandma S.

Mrs. K said...

I'm with Cheryl and Heather - choked up! I work from home and after reading yesterday's post I nearly couldn't talk on the phone, lol.

I'm so impressed you did a little "practicing" and yet went two miles! I think I might could maybe run if I had that scenery to look at...and that's saying a lot. Gorgeous. Makes me want to visit Iowa.

Ginger said...

Monica, I was smiling as I saw the pictures appear, then I cried at the poem. God bless him! He is a walking miracle, IMHO.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your whole family. That must have been an awesome experience running with your dad. Thanks for sharing.
QMM

Jessica said...

What a wonderful accomplishment for your dad and how great that you could be there and take part in his celebration of life!!

Christine said...

I bet when anyone saw your cheering squad, they got inspiration to finish!

Your Dad gives us all hope

1

Katy said...

That is sooo fantastic!!! Your dad is AMAZING!!! He did a wonderful job!!! Congrats to him!!! I am so glad you all got to cheer him on like that!!!!

Anonymous said...

What a great day for your family and your dad.

Anonymous said...

I love your daddy's poem! It flashed in my mind as if it were at the end of a documentary or commercial or something. :o)

I love the support crew t-shirts!

Anna said...

What a sweet thing you did to run with your dad! And way to go to your dad on running a marathon!