# 12558

Traci ran her first half marathon yesterday. She was entered in the 2011 Derby Festival Half Marathon-part of the events leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Traci #12558 finished with a chip time of 2:16:52. Our family is so impressed and proud of her for her awesome accomplishment.

She was so excited-at the 7 or 8 mile mark, the runners got to Churchill Downs where they saw the horses out and jockey's all suited up for races. It was very inspiring and helped motivate them to keep going. When I talked to her, she was laughing because after the race, she had so much sweat pouring from her body that she couldn't even see the food they were offering them at the end of the race!

The thing is, running any kind of race, any length, requires preparation. It takes baby steps to work your way up to any kind of distance. I admire runners so much because I don't think I could run even a quarter of a mile right now. But with great training and preparation, people are able to do amazing things. The race is the final exam. To finish is awesome. To participate, whatever the outcome is courageous!

In a few weeks, Brett and Amy and the kids are going to Ireland so Amy can run in a half marathon there. Caitlin and Jennilee have their eyes on America's Finest Half Marathon in August.
We are so proud of all of you for training so hard to accomplish your running goals.