NYC Marathon...Finally!

I have wanted to run the NYC Marathon since my brother Phil and I completed the Salt Lake City Marathon in 2004. I applied to the NYC Marathon that year, but was a bit unlucky when it came to the lottery that selected runners. However, in order to combat the bad luck that seems to plague some, the marathon set in place a rule that if an individual is unsuccessful for three years in a row, that person is granted automatic entry into the next year's race. I was denied in 2004, 2005, and 2006. However, in 2007 I was guaranteed entry as long as I paid the registration, which I excitedly did, only to discover that medical school is a busy time and it was devilishly difficult to train. The marathon organizers also understood this; as long as I cancelled my entry prior to the marathon expo, I was once again guaranteed entry the next year, if I paid the registration fees. I cancelled and re-registered in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Needless to say, Julie became tired of funding my procrastination and told me that I had to run this year's race because I couldn't re-register next year*. So, on November 7, 2010, after a somewhat lukewarm training schedule, I strapped on my running shoes, got up excruciatingly early, and ran the most amazing race in my entire life (my performance wasn't amazing...I barely finished; the fans, scenery, and sheer excitement were absolutely fantastic)! Now that the experience is behind me, I can say that I'm glad I did it, although I find myself wondering why I didn't just buckle down and run three years ago!

The crowd at the start. Everyone was still excited at this point.

Running the first mile on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Still excited!

Sometime after mile 16, in Manhattan. I had started to cramp. Whenever I want to run another marathon, I'm going to look at this picture. Ouch!

Looking strong on my way down 5th Avenue. It was only for the benefit of Julie and Andy!

Julie and Andy were waiting for me on 5th Avenue and 97th Street between mile 22 and 23. I was glad to see them, primarily because it meant that I was almost done!

Crossing the finish line. My official time was 4:59:51, over an hour slower than my Salt Lake City time of 3:58:06. Maybe next time I'll learn my lesson and actually train!

*I would like to thank Julie for forcing me to run the marathon. I had a great time and I'm glad I did it. I couldn't have done it without it you, dear!

Choo Choo!

As many of our loyal readers know, I have wanted to purchase a Lionel model train set for just over a year. Julie, bless her heart of gold, promised me last Christmas that I could buy one this year. I think she granted me permission primarily to spare me the need to beg forgiveness when I bought one anyway, and I love her all the more for it! As the holidays drew nearer, I kept my eyes open for a good buy, and, as luck would have it, I discovered a store by the name of Trainworld located on Long Island that was having a huge sale on November 6. Needless to say, after picking up my runner's bib and shirt from the NYC Marathon Expo in Manhattan, Julie, Andy, and I piled into the car and drove over to the store to look at trains. Once there, Andy and I were in heaven, and Julie was laughing at us! After carefully weighing prices, I selected an O-guage replica of the Strasburg Railroad, which we had ridden on at Easter with Grammie, Phil, Erin, and crew. We left shortly after making the purchase, rushed home, and set the train up to give it a spin. Andy and I had a fantastic time. Next step is to acquire a house and start building a complicated, over-the-top model train setup; I can't wait until next year!

Andy with the train track. As you can see, he had trouble remembering that he was to stay off the track!

The setup took a little longer than expected. Andy used the time to rest in the conveniently located empty toy train box.

The completed layout. Don't worry...it will only get more extravagant as time progresses!

Andy learning how to be a train engineer. He currently believes that there are only two speeds possible for toy trains; fast and faster!

Reaching out to touch the train as it chugged by. Watching how excited Andy was with the train made me wish that I was two years old again!

This picture doesn't have anything to do with the train. I just thought I would showcase Andy's "cheese" face. When asked to smile for a picture, he loudly says, "Cheese!", and produces this fantastic face that will haunt him for years as his parents produce it whenever he brings home a date.

Andy's Best Friend

Here's a fun story for all the Andy Fans out there:
Tonight, as Julie and I were putting Andy to bed, I turned to him and asked, "Andy, who's your best friend?" Without a moment's hesitation, he emphatically replied, "Mommy!" A bit surprised (I expect him to reply to all questions with his standard "No!"), I then asked him, "Who's your second best friend?" He smiled at me and said, "Daddy!" Now, I don't know if he knew what I was asking, but he sure does know how to put a smile on his parents' faces.

Of course Mom is your best friend when she coordinates costumes on Halloween!



Dad comes in pretty handy when you're still not tall enough to pick apples. Definitely second best friend material!

Coordinated Costumes

Just a quick post to satisfy the requests to see Andy's costume for Halloween. Julie will be posting pictures from October shortly. Enjoy!

Andy the astronaut with a space alien he discovered. Luckily, she doesn't bite!

The second space alien Andy caught. This species is known to be a bit cranky, but Andy's charming personality won him over.