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Grand Rapids Marathon
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Q's Race Report (Read 38 times)
PowerOfQ
Line of Eld
 posted: 10/21/2008 at 5:57 PM
Can be found HERE.

Unbelievably, that's the abridged version. Here's the last bit I left out:
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Post Mortem
So many strange/cool/scary things happened before, during and after this race. I couldn’t fit it all in. Indeed, I’ll probably revise this thing a million times. First, though, are some thanks that need to go out.

Zoom-Zoom: I cannot tell you how great it was to have you out there to cheer me on, having just been through the experience yourself. Dane is an awesome kid for hanging in there, and I owe you a heart-felt appreciation for all your support.

Cory: It was great meeting you! You probably don’t realize it, but when I saw you the second time and you shouted, “You should be smiling Q!!!” I did smile, for about a mile after that too! It picked me up just as I was starting to hurt. BQ is in the bag, if you want it. You rock.

Carole/Emily: That was so cool!!!! It was a real pleasure running so many miles together, and I hope our running paths cross again soon. Emily, you were incredible in your first marathon, and I trust you know how amazing your mom is. Carole, thank you for getting me going again at mile 25. I seriously was done until you came by.

Josh: You dumbass. Dumbest smart guy I know. It’s all about the miles, silly. Put ‘em in, the rest will work itself out. I’m glad you’re ok, and I look forward to training with you for a long, long time. Heal up.

MC: The voice of reason. How scary is THAT?!?!? Your help in grinding out the daily mileage and keeping me focused on what I could do got me through some tough spots on Sunday. I will return the favor when you go for that 70.3 sticker. Many miles, my friend, many miles.

Mom and Dad: I really appreciate you coming over for the race. Thanks too for watching the kids so that Rebecca could be out there. This was a pretty big deal to me, and you both helped me more that day than you will ever probably know. I love you both.

Madison: My baby girl. This whole thing is your fault! My life changed one day because of you. I carried you up the stairs to your crib for bedtime, and I was singing to you (“I’ve been working on the railroad”, you love that song). By the time I got to the top of the stairs, I was so out of breath that I couldn’t sing for two full minutes. It was right then that I knew something was going to have to change or I wasn’t going to be around for you. You’re my little pumpkin butt. You saved my life.

Matthew: Every day, you get bigger, and smarter. And I lose you a little bit more. You will always give your mom a hug and a kiss, and profess to her your affection. Dads and sons don’t do those things much as we grow up. And this is ok. It is the way of things. I did this silly race in the hopes that you can see, someday, that anything is possible. You are so strong, and I love you, so very much.

Rebecca: Took us some work to get through this thing, didn’t it? I vote that for the next one you stay completely healthy and out of the hospital. Deal? Training for this race was a lot of work for me, but I know it was a lot of work for you too. I’ll never be able to express how much I appreciate everything you do for me. You’re simply the most amazing person I know.

Everyone: So many more people to say thank you to…from all the great people at RunningAhead, to everyone at work and friends’ friends, etc…all wishing me well and keeping tabs on me.

RUNNAH’s BABEE!!!!!!!
The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.
zoom-zoom
Registered for #2
 posted: 10/21/2008 at 6:27 PM
Cry Beautiful, man. You're a good guy, you know. We're all lucky to know you and your family is lucky to have you, too. I love that you credit your little girl (I shall call her Q-junior...wow, what a little mini-Mike, heh) with giving you the kick in the butt to make big changes in your life. Kids are good for us on so many levels. I know Dane keeps both did and I a lot more conscious of the choices we make, especially in terms of our health.

Rest up, now. And enjoy the recovery time (can I just say that it sucks. I think taper was easier). Tongue
Kirsten
'07: 1324.5 mi
'08: 1561 mi
...

• Ladies Locker Room •

.: 2009 Goals :.
• Run 1750 miles
• 2 marathons (May - Bayshore, Fall - ?)
• PRs: 5k ~ 15k ~ 25k? ~ HM ~ 26.2
• 1st trail relay (North Country)
corland
posted: 10/21/2008 at 6:38 PM
I'm ashamed to say that I was soo into the race the first time I saw you, that I had forgotten to watch for you. You surprised the heck out of me when you shouted. It certainly made me smile and I was hoping I could return the favor.

One last thing I've got to compliment, 300lbs... DUDE, wow.
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