All aboard the crazy train!

These boys are nuts! It's official!

 Ben asked if his friend Ben could sleepover before the big race. I was so kind and allowed this madness. Ha ha. They colored on themselves, watched some basketball and after they finally calmed down we had a restful night.
The boys got up at 4:30 in the morning to catch the bus to the marathon start line. I realized at about 5AM that Ben had forgotten to take his Garmin with him. I offered to bring it to him but he declined. Ben said they made them stay on the bus for too long and they didn't have a lot of time to stretch or anything before the race started.
Ben felt really good during the race. Other than the fact that it was so crowded he was forced to start by the 5:30 pacer. Not exactly his goal time. But he managed to pass enough people in the first few miles to get to the 3:45 pacer. He ran with Aqeel for a little while and his cousin Jared too. Ben also ran into one of his mission companions, Solomon and was able to run with him too. I'm pretty sure he just talked to strangers along the route.
He always runs with his phone and some snacks too. He was able to text me when he was at the half way point. Mile 20 and then at mile 24 and 25. Cass and Tay cheered him on at mile 24. What a good feeling to see them. Riley found him at mile 25 and ran with him for a bit and gave him the extra push to finish strong. Then Nick ran in with him the last quarter mile. Jay was able to lift Jayben over the fence and he ran the last 200 yards with him. It was so awesome. The announcer said "superman running his dad home!" Love it.

Ben finished in 3 hours 36 minutes. Which his goal time was 3: 45. It was super awesome to witness.
Peggy and I stationed ourselves right at the finish line which was a great view but horrible for pictures. Plus Nick was in front of Ben in all the pictures I was able to get. I didn't think about that until it was too late. Lincoln was obsessed with the port a potty and kept wanting to use it. Of course once he got in and realized all of the poop was in it he changed his mind.

 Terry, Riley and Nick all ran the half marathon.

Riley finished in 1 hour 8 minutes. Amazing!

Here are all my supermen!

 I am truly amazed and inspired by Ben and his dedication and goal setting. He doesn't let diabetes or school or anything hold him back when he has a goal in mind. And he didn't just reach his goal, he beat it. Of course, at this point I am not so inspired as to want to run a marathon myself. ha ha

Way to go Ben. Love ya baby!