Inspiring Insights

Inspired. Thats the way I came out of this weekend. I'm not sure what I'm inspired to do quite yet, but I'm looking at each opportunity before me as a chance to really shine.

Saturday was Ashland, Wisconsin's 10th annual Whistlestop Maraton and FMD's dad, PD, ran it. After waking up at 4 am to drive up and register and prepare for the race, I still didn't quite understand what made this event so special... I'm not a runner by any means. I'm a biker (well, I used to be) and I'd do an easy 40 before lunch when I worked for the DNR, and at least that after... How far is 26.2 miles? On foot, its a hell of a long ways!

After dropping PD off, we raced (no pun intended) to the first observation point. Less than 20 seconds after arriving trail side, we saw him run by and I snapped the first of my photos. Not the sharpest photo I've ever taken, but still one of my favorites of the day.



After seeing him go by, we joined the hoards of other people and raced down to the next observation point. Parking was tough to come by and people were lined up in droves! This is when it all hit me... People testing their bodies and striving to do something most of us will never do in a lifetime. The hours spent running, strict diets, 4 am wake up calls... I finally got it. I actually was on the verge of tears. Some who are just "too cool" may call that lame, but I call it inspiring. To see all of those friends and families lined up to cheer their loved ones on... To be one of those friends and families that lined up to cheer our loved one on... Wow.



10 miles down the line we met up with PD again...



I lost my hat out the window when I tried some high speed photography. The photo didn't turn out great but the thought of all the cars behind us swerving to miss hitting my hat is priceless... Maybe you had to be there...



Photo of PD's family while we were waiting...



PD leading the pack...



Inspiring PD on...





Hats off to you PD!



Mile 20.5...



Down the stretch...



Across the finish!



Everyone is a winner!



So thats that. Wow. 26.2 miles. Thats impressive. PD certainly gave it his all and can say something that most of us will never say in our lifetime. "I ran a marathon." He also has been quoted since saying, "Why would anyone do that?" Thats a question I asked before the race, but I'll probably never ask it again...