TOU

 I don't know how I missed getting this on here. Ben ran his 1st marathon!!! He has been training since early spring. He decided after Ragnar since he had already trained for that why not go for a marathon? We figure he has put around 350 miles on his running shoes since he started training. It is said that only 1% of the population can say they have run a marathon and now Ben is part of that elite group. Training is brutal and you have to have drive, determination, and perseverance. All of which Ben has. He got up early 2 to 3 times a week and ran before going to work and then he would do his long run on Saturdays. We didn't do much this summer with him training. He was up at 4:30 a.m. on September the 15th so he could get bused up to Hardware Ranch where the race would start. The race started at 7 and the 2500 runners wound their way down the canyon and through Cache Valley where they came across the finish line by Merlin Olsen Park. Ben said that he felt awesome at mile 20 but then around 23 the pain set in. He said that simultaneously it was one of the worst experiences of his life and one of the best. He had a few of his family jump in at mile 20 with him, his aunt Tia and brother Dillon. Then at mile 23 he had his Mom and sister-in-law Crystal with him also. He said that his brother helped him a ton. At that point in the race you are just looking a few feet in front of you and taking one step at a time. Ben is not a man of many words but Dillon knew that he needed support and would run shoulder to shoulder helping him in those last few miles. I was at the finish line and it was amazing watching these men and women come across the line. Some of them looked like they could go another 20 and others literally could not take another step. Ben came across in 4 hours 12 minutes. When Ben came across it was so emotional. He ended up 644 out of 2500. This was such a big accomplishment for him. It was Ben's day and he has not had many of those in his life. He had worked so hard for this and I am so proud of him. Will he run another marathon? I don't know, I don't think he knows, but he has already been running. He never ceases to amaze me with his determination. If Ben wants something he usually gets it, but with a lot of hard work on his part. I love you Benjamin. 

With his Aunt Tia, who talked him into doing a marathon and helped him train. Thank you.