Well, we finally did it. Madison and I finally ran the Missoula Half-Marathon! This has been over a year in the making.
 |
| Madison & I before the race started |
She and I have trained twice only to run the half-marathon once this year. We trained last year, but I got sick and was not able to run. You can read about that story here.
 |
| The starting line |
This year we did it though! We ran together. As always, it is such an incredible experience with the camradery between the people running. The community truly comes out to support the runners who are running in the race. People who live on the side of the road encourage the participants as they run by, hand out gummy bears, and sit with a hose in their hand for anyone who might want a refreshing squirt with the hose.
 |
| Madison & I before the race |
There was the lady who played her bongo around mile 2, a man who wore a tuxedo and played Chariots of Fire on his grand piano in his yard, the banjo players picked a tune, a couple played disco music on their boom box, and the list could go on and on. What support. What love. What gifts.
 |
| Run, Madison, Run! |
Unfortunately, I did tweak my knee around mile 8 or so. The last 3 miles or so were not really pleasant for me, but my knee is feeling fine now. Madison was patient with me just as I have been patient with her when she had a bad running day. Those who run know you never know if you will have a good or a bad running day.
 |
| Run, Andrea, Run! |
I was so thankful to God to share this experience with Madison. My sweet Madison. I am so proud of the woman she is becoming, and I know these days with her at home will be gone all too soon. I cherish the time we have together with ever fiber of my being!
 |
| We did it! |
I told Madison I would buy her a coffee (her favorite) on the way home. During times of run when we were becoming weary, I would think and even said once how every step got us one more step closer to some coffee.
We did it, & I am so proud of her for running with endurance and finishing the race. This is one thankful mommy!