accomplishment in atlanta

While in Atlanta, we went to the finish line of a half-marathon that our friends Paul, Tracy, and David ran in, to encourage and support them in their quest. Really we just congratulated them. Not too much to encourage at the finish line, unless they are brought in on a golf cart. but all finished, and so we celebrated together. Our first observation of the finishing area was the smell. When we went to Africa, everyone told us we'd notice the smell when we got off the plane... not so much. But let me tell you, if you ever go to a big time long-distance race with thousands of participants, you will notice the stink when they all congregate. Wow, it was bad.

We were however, very impressed with the energy and accomplishment of the whole thing. What a great event! It really did motivate us, and so we decided to start training with Paul and Tracy... so when they take off on their runs through the neighborhood, we're going to train by hitting a visible spot to cheer and yell (maybe even make a sign with nice words on it like 'Yay' or 'Wow' or 'Run!'). Then we'll use our intellect to map out the best shortcut through backyards to another spot that we can beat them to and cheer and yell again, then cut through to catch them on another turn, and then finally catch a shortcut to the finish line, where we use whatever breath is left to yell more, like "you're almost there, if you give up now you will regret it for the rest of your life!"

Tracy is nearing the finish line, and happy to see us! Or to be almost done. We kinda sorta showed up too late to see either of the boys finish.

Like any runner, Paul is pensively exhausted after his race.

Way to go guys! We really are proud of you!