Ok....so yesterday was nothing short of an amazing experience.  As I sit here at my desk with quads throbbing I am wearing a huge smile on my face.  Yesterday morning started with a 6:30 AM wake up call.  After some breakfast and some peaceful time spent with Jackie we made our way down to the start in the cold Arkansas morning.  While I was dressed and ready to run Jackie likewise was dressed and determined to help get me through it.  The gun went off just after 8 am and I and bout 2,000 runners made our way down Capitol into our 26.3 mile journey.  As I flew pass the start there stood Jackie just yards into the race snapping my picture (stop by later today to see race day photos) and shouting words of inspiration.  The first half of the race seemed to fly by...every time I turned around I was greeted by the rowdy and raucous cheers of Jackie, Janet, Bernie, Morgan and even Ryleigh. In the first 13.1 miles they made there way to about four different viewing spots.  (I am convinced they probably walked a marathon yesterday.)  And I forget to mention that Morgan and Ryleigh were sporting "Team Uncle Mark" shirts which were about the coolest things I have ever seen.

After mile 13.1 I was off on my own (the second half of the race was not accessible for them to view).  And the second half of the race was CHALLENGING...I have done many marathons before and this half of the course was as "hilly" as any I have seen.  My pace stayed decent through mile 23 but Mile 23 I began to weaken a bit as my muscles began to ache.  I face a second wall at Mile 25 and just as I really began to hurt and contemplated walking a loud voice pierced my minds wonderings and yelled "Come on Mark kicki it in!!!"  Not sure Jackie's timing, appearance, or encouragement could have ever been more needed and appreciated.  She breathed new life into my legs and spirit into my step.  As I rounded my last turn and headed into the ome stretch I felt exhilirated...exchanging high fives with Morgan pointing to Bernie, Janet and Ryleigh.  After crossing the finish line (and qualifying for Boston) I found my way to Jackie and the greatest and most welcome hug I have ever felt in my entire life.  I can not describe with words the feeling I felt at that moment...it was incomparable to anything I have ever experienced.  It was wonderful and fulfilling.

After the race, the rest of the day was excellent.  We spent the afternoon at the hotel and then over lunch with Janet, Bernine, Mo and Ryleigh.  After they departed we swung by Arkansas Children's Hospital before heading to the airport to fly home.  What an awesome day.  What an awesome experience this has been.  Please check back later today for offical times, race day photos.  Please check back next week for final fundraising tallies.  Thank you so much for your support and generosity...it has meant so much to me and to all of us.