3:51 To Finish

Ok, so it's a very weak reference to 3:10 To Yuma, but maybe some of you got it!
Patrick did it! Yea! 3 hours and 51 minutes. Fantastic time for a first time marathoner, I think.
Here is Patrick and Lillie proudly displaying Patrick's medal.
Lillie asked "Daddy, why you get a medal? Did you win the race?" Now, at this point I might have told her "Heck yeah, I won!" But Patrick was too honest and disclosed the fact that everybody gets one.
I asked Pat how it went since it was, once again, a very warm day here in Chicago (85). He replied, "It went well, although the last 4 miles were pretty tough." Well, if it was only the last 4 miles, here's to ya! Great job, Pat! We are all so proud of you and love you very much.

On Your Mark. Get Set. GO!

And they're off! Patrick will be joining 44,999 of his closest friends tomorrow running the Chicago Marathon-- 26.2 miles. Good news is that it is supposed to be a very nice day. Bad news... well... it's 26.2 miles. So, here is a "before" picture of Patrick. Make sure to check back tomorrow evening for an updated picture. I'm thinking it will be Patrick on the couch, preferred beverage in hand and a bottle of Advil close by.

He has prepped this evening with his pre-long run meal of spaghetti smothered in butter with mushrooms and parmesean cheese. Mmmmm! He is staying downtown tonight with friends so they can just walk on over to the starting line.
Patrick has worked very hard over the past 17 weeks to get ready for this momentous life experience. Great job Patrick!! We are all routing for you (and feeling REALLY glad it's not us! Ha ha!).
For those of you that want to track Patrick online his bib number is 18208. Just go to www.chicagomarathon.com. Under "Spectators & Volunteers" select "Runner Tracking." Scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the link. You can elect to receive updates via e-mail, cell phone, or pager.
Good luck Patrick!! Good luck Daddy!!! WE LOVE YOU!