I can't believe my name was on this week's running report! We went to Duluth to visit Mark's family - Mark grew up there. Although I had just returned to running 2-1/2 weeks prior to the race after a 2 month lay off (including 3 weeks of physical therapy), I figured since I had paid my entry fee I might as well toe the starting line, drop out halfway and take the sag wagon to the finish. I thought it would be really stupid to do the whole thing. Well, when I saw the sag wagon at the 13.3 mile mark, then looked around me and saw people who looked a lot worse than I felt, I realized I had to go for it. I took a lot of walking and stretching breaks, and had a great time chatting with people. Although it was my slowest marathon ever, it was definitely the most fun. The weather was just right, and since my only goal was to cross the finish line, I just enjoyed the day. I was actually surprised at my time. I didn't think I'd break 4:30, but the people (both runners and the crowds) helped get me through. Mark ran the 1/2 marathon which started an hour before the marathon. They wound up running in some heavy thunderstorms (which thankfully passed before the start of the marathon). He came in 26th overall in a time of 1:14.