Part Two:

I found my mom, cousin, and her boyfriend around mile 14. Man it was good to see my mom this time. When I did this two years ago, my mom and dad were out of town and I it was hard for me to not be upset that they missed that race. My dad was with us this time, but was watching the race and taking care of the dog at the condo.

All seemed well to this point. I seriously thought I was going to beat my pace and actually get right around 4 hours. Then I hit a wall physically. I don't know exactly what it was, but man did I start hurting. I found it hard to not think of my physical pain. Mentally I was like you gotta keep going, there is a lot of race left. So as any stubborn, prideful man would do I kept fighting along. I didn't want to be one of the small group of people who didnt' finish.

Mile 16 my cousin jumped in and ran a few miles with me. She did a good job of keeping me focused on running and not my pain. I had to stop twice to cut the tape off my ankles, because they had gotten so swollen that I was in even more pain.

After my cousin left, I was on my own again till mile 20. One thing you do when you run a long race is write your name on your shirt. It helps you mentally hearing your name and keeps you going through so much. Well I had reached the point that I was getting pissed, because I was in so much pain and people kept cheering me on. I know they were only helping and I truly felt that they were there for me, but when you are so physically hurting at times, all I could do was think, leave me alone.

It's not everyday you have friends that will do things for you like running 6 miles with you in jeans. I had that friend at mile 20 on. Dave and I have only known each other for about a year, but what a true friend. Side note, Dave had a shirt on that said, "I love Dougy and Wacker Drive(another joke)." Everyone who came to watch me made shirts, TEAM DOUG. He did exactly what I needed, someone to run with. I got pissed at him while running, because he talked so much, but he did a great job of turning my physical hurt to being pissed that he wouldn't shut up. Honestly man, I just wanted to quit and cry, but no one would let me. Not my family, girlfriend, or anyone who cheering me on would let me quit and I am so thankful.

I reached the city limits again after being down by US Cellular field. I knew now it was only a matter of time till I was finally done. The crowds got bigger and bigger and still I was hearing, "Go Doug, you can finish the race." 1 mile left and I decided to take off running. Oh did I mention that I had another friend jump in with Dave and I. Thanks Rob also for being there for me when I was running. So I knew what was ahead of me. The hill on Roosevelt Rd. It sucked this year and man did it hurt. My knees and ankles just killed and running up a hill didn't help, but I made it up and turned that corner.

This year was so much more emotional for me. As I was nearing the finish line, all I could think about was seeing Brittany and my family. I think I had tears in my eyes as I could vaguely hear the crowds still cheering me on. I returned the favor by clapping for them and I crossed that line. Right away I saw my cheering section and those tears just kept coming. I did it....again. This time was more difficult, but also more special. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my family, girlfriend, friends, and the city of Chicago for again doing what you do best, cheering on a group of idiots who find some kind of joy and accomplishment out of running 26.2 miles.

I was more nervous this time than my first marathon. Did I train enough? Was I mentally ready? Will I see everyone that was going to be there to cheer me on? For some reason I got emotional again as they were starting the race. I remembered two years ago when I did it the first time, the tears of hearing the national anthem and being a part of something so big that I felt again, what am I doing running a marathon. My adreneline was ready, but was I?

Here we go again. Can I tell you how amazing it is to be a cheered for by thousands and thousands of people. People I don't know or will probably never know. Is that what heaven is like? I mean just the fact of 1.5 million cheering all of us runners on makes the world of difference.

So I take off running. Man did I feel good for the first 13.1 miles. I was on pace to beat my goal from two years ago and I had mentally prepared myself for how much water to drink, when to eat something, and honestly thought I was taking care of my body. I missed seeing my family at mile 5 and thought where the heck were they. It is one thing to have the crowds cheer you on, but when you see that familiar face, that one face that just lets you know all is okay, I hadn't seen that yet. I kept running though.

I reached mile 10, only one minute off my goal pace. There she was with my sisters waiting patiently to see how I was feeling. My sisters knew right away something was wrong with me, so they told me later. They knew I was already in some pain, but just told me I was doing great and keep on going. Britt, didn't say much either, just gave me a smile of love and re-assurance that she was proud of me. My two other friends just made me laugh and got my mind off of running for a second. Did I mention how many people were out in the 40 degree weather cheering all of us runners on. In so many places all I could do was clap for them as they braved the cold and kept me going.

Mile 13.1, halfway done.

Made it painfully through 26.2 miles in Chicago again. I finished the race.

Listening To: U2 and whatever is on the ipod shuffle, going to by new DVD from ZOO STATION tour.

Reading: Revelation Rhapsody for class and Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley.

Writing: Endless thoughts on Revelation 7 for class. Hebronics to gain insight of how to actually learn this "stuff"

Running: New shoes this week. At about a 4:00-4:15 pace for the marathon in a five weeks. Need to get back into speed runs and looking forward to 22 miles on friday and then tapering off.

Eating: still jacked up. Need to figure out what I can eat and run with. Note to self no Gu or Marathon Bars....puked both...NICE!!!

Beginning to wonder: If anyone else is going to quit soccer now that we have a team of eleven.

Watched: New show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Thought it was a great show with amazingly true beginning of how television is today.

I need to get serious for a second....

Do I really need to learn Hebrew? This ef%!#$! sucks.

How can anyone like learning this?

I walked out of work last night with mixed feelings knowing that I just finished my last night working in retail for a while. It was kind of that feeling, I am so glad to be done, but what the frick am I going to do now. Two years doesn't seem like much, but it was long enough for me. Most of the associates I worked with completely understood. I worked with a group that didn't always know how to make work enjoyable. How do you teach a 19-21 year old to take a part time job in retail seriously?

I am excited to be done. It will become more and more refreshing everyday. I gained a lot from what I did and a few lasting friendships will only continue to grow. The thing I will miss most is are those people that came in to shop. Over two years you learn and see how people live and change, that is what I will miss.

I know I did the right thing at the right time. I honestly don't know what I am going to do next. I start my third year of seminary next week. I am also coaching soccer for the time being and hope to substitute teach when possible. I am also going to enjoy not working nights and having weekends to do what I want.

Another chapter in my life done with.....kind of wonder what is next....

Here we go again.....after running in the Indy Mini-marathon this past weekend. I am now going to do the chicago marathon all over again. Should be a great few months of training. Makes a difference when you have others that you know running it with you. See you in Chicago Oct. 22!!!!!!

Well it finally happened....my olders sister got married. It was a great weekend in Chicago. Everything went so well and she looked so beautiful. Here are so pictures from the weekend.


Rehearsal Dinner


My dad seeing Nicole for the first time in her dress. Notice her reaction of excitement.


Cole peeking from the balcony to see who is there.


The Happy Couple: Greg and Nicole

Best line of the trip in Florida.....

"I AM DISGUSTED!!!!"

my moms thoughts after seeing my tattoo....

I missed the tornados by a few hours.

Spent a week in 85-90 degree weather down in Florida.

Missed the clean-up and everything at home.

Got home and now staring at about 5 inchese of snow.

Plus school got cancelled today and no class tomorrow.

I should have stayed in Florida......

Thank God for Grandmothers. Mine turned 87 today.

I am and always will be a full-blooded University of Kentucky basketball fan. I live BLUE, even when times are tough like this year.

I believe that JJ is one of the best ever on this team i love to hate

JJ is good, really good.......

I got bored and tagged myself........

Four jobs I have had

1. Retail - J Crew & Express
2. Graphic Designer for Advertising Co.
3. Graphic Designer for Lieutenant Governor of IL
4. Sports Store Retail

Four movies I can watch over and over

1. Wedding Crashers
2. Top Gun
3. Anchorman
4. Braveheart

Four places I have lived

1. Ghana, Africa....for a few months
2. Chicago, IL
3. Lexington, KY
4. Rochester, IL

Four TV shows I love

1. SportsCenter
2. Prison Break
3. Alias - when it is on
4. Grey's Anatomy

Four places I've vacationed

1. Sanibel, Florida
2. Maine
3. California
4. Europe three times

Four of my favorite dishes

1. Pizza
2. Any Italian Dishes
3. Popcorn for Dinner
4. Homemade Mac and Cheese

Four sites I visit daily

1. AOL
2. ESPN
3. YAHOO MOVIES
4. BLOGS

Four places I would rather be right now

1. Anywhere with a beach
2. Back in Africa
3. Going on an Expedition with the dogs from 8 Below
4. Living in Chicago again