What Are You Going To Do On Your 62nd. Birthday?

Good quest huh?  Well Sat. I spent a few hours with my dad doing just what he wanted to do.  A few months ago he called me one afternoon and asked if I wanted to run the Ogden 1/2 Marathon with him.  Needless to say I was a little taken back.  He's been a walker as long as I can remember, but the last year or so he's picked it up a bit and runs about 4 miles every morning.   But a half marathon is a far cry from 4 miles.  Unfortunately the Ogden 1/2 had been sold out for months.  It wasn't even an option.  I told him of the dilemma, but quickly came back with an alternative option.  Bear Lake has a Marathon and Half Marathon in June, and it actually was the day after my dad's 62nd birthday.  He jumped on this option, and a date was set.  He trained his little brains out.  While vacationing he'd call me every few days to tell me he had run 5,6, and 7 miles without stopping.  "Do you think I can make 13 mile?"  he would ask.  Heck yes was always my reply.  He may not be in peak Half Marathon condition, but who cares if we had to gut out a few mile.

The week drew nigh.  The weather was atrocious.  Down right cold, wet and miserable, but nothing was going to deter him.  Sat. morning dawned.  Actually I heard him stirring at 5:30am and so I decided that we might as well get this show on the road.  Oh did I mention that the Bear Lake Half Marathon was sold out too.  We wouldn't let that stop us.  We created our own route.  It was great!

The first 6 miles he went without even stopping once.   A good steady pace.  I was proud.  At the turn around point we walked a bit.  The second half was a bit slower, but he'd run and then just need a little walk.  I know how that feels.  I'm not ashamed to say I do that quite often.  When all was said and done we completed the Garner First Annual Daddy Daughter Half Marathon in record time.  2 hours and 58 mins.  He did it, and he did a fantastic job.  He's got another race in the making for our family reunion in July.  Beware all you Garner clan.  Dad's excited and can now officially say he completed a Half Marathon.  I was so proud of him and his positive attitude.  What a guy!  Dad I love your stinking guts, and thanks for letting me share the morning with you.  I'd do it anytime!  I know what I'm going to do on my 62nd birthday now.  Love ya Dad!!!