Great job! That is what I call a real "GUT CHECK".

Just when you think it's time to finally blow up the Internet...something like this comes along. Good.

awesome thread to read....congratulations to you guys!

Man, I am humbled by all the comments. Maybe I was foolish in even attempting this race given the semi-broken state my body was in going into it and there are probably some of you that think I was a total idiot for doing so for putting myself at risk for maybe what is a serious injury. I dunno. It doesn't matter. In the end what matters are relationships and... I would trade two right legs for the opportunity to meet another JK and Mishka as I did as a result of this, Eric's nonself-serving, site, RA. There are no better quality people. JK... people here are right... you have a gift of articulation and, I am grateful and blessed to read your insight, wit, and heartfelt comments every day here. It was a pleasure meeting you this past weekend and, I'm sorry you missed the cookout. We even had beer. Well, according to Q, Bell's Oberon doesn't qualify as beer, but even though I live in a town named Temperance... I still could have gone out and bought you something that does qualify as beer. You were spot on with all your comments about the race, the cops, the volunteers (Thank you Mike!), and my family and friends (who, by the way, actually liked you too?). I would only serve to muddy things up if I tried to say anythong anything more about the whole weekend. Oh, other than Kelly is a very lovely, sweet, and beautiful woman and we were glad to have met her as well. (thinking to self - how'd he manage that?!?) If you ever come up to visit grandma again... call me... we'll snag Mishka and an emu or two and we'll head for Packo's. Thanks for a great first marathon! Mishka... I related to you in another thread how unknowingly vital you were to me out on that (what did JK call it? Miserably miserable? Yea, I think that was it.) race course Sunday. I truly believe that I would not have finished were it not for coming across you again with those 2 or so miles left. I don't really remember where it was at because now that I reflect on it, I was seriously delirious from the pain I was in and the exposure. Your company and conversation saw me through to the light at the end of the tunnel. I am really disappointed I was not able to pet your emu though, but seeing as how you forgot to feed it its snack the day before, I was probably better off. Although, I think at one point I was seeing emus? Maybe that was just the Toledo Zoo I passed? I don't know, I don't really remember at that point. Thanks for helping out a fellow runner. My first marathon race was not how I had hoped or envisioned it to go and I didn't finish in the time I was shooting for. In fact, it was pretty... what's the word I'm searching for... oh yea... miserable, but I wouldn't change any of it for anything now. Thanks everyone for the kind comments. A quick note to anyone reading this that is questioning their ability to do anything like this in your future... I was you once too.

We even had beer.

Beer was not mentioned. And I assumed you'd be in a coma. You're a stud. The Detroit Marathon starts in 6 months, 2 days, 22 hours, and 24 minutes. Looks kinda fun. http://www.detroitmarathon.com/ Just sayin'.

wow...another great read JK. The whole thing was heartwarming, inspiring, and funny as hell. We don't need bad mojo...don't even mention the next race in this thread. I've already ran my bad weather race this year...not as bad as Rick and JK's but still enough to get a pass April 21.

Wow. I finally emerge out from under a pile of tax returns, and this is waiting for me. Just awesome, Rick & JK. If this doesn't get me ready to run Charlottesville on Saturday, nothing will. And Jake, I grew up there, and you did a great job of describing NW Ohio in early Spring. Thanks for the inspiration guys, and congratulations.

Thanks, Kevin. JK has a gift doesn't he. He could always move back to the area and get a job as a meteorologist. Just like with running topics... he doesn't even have to be right. You and my sister were smart and moved more southerly. She has lived in Richmond for like 14 years after having moved there from southern Cal. I am a slow learner. MTA: Good luck in your race Saturday. Is it the popular 10 miler they have there?