River Bank Run Completed! Cheryl Is Officially Inaugurated Into The Two Hour Club.

That is correct!  Cheryl completed the Amway River Bank Run in under 2 hours.   Despite the heat and sun, she managed to pull off 1:59:48.   It was close!  But given the conditions, I will count that as a win.  He goal was under 2 hours and that is what she did.

She had accidentally mis-estimated the distance and paced accordingly.   She thought 25 K was about 15 miles.  Actually, it is 15.5343 miles....  A full extra half mile of distance.   That could be an additional 3.5 minutes!   

But she did not lose faith and kept  2 hour club pacer in sight.   She fell back just a tad before crossing the finish line.   I thought she was not going to make it, but I got an official text from the race app that she had crossed the mats just ahead of the club cut off.   Yeah!  

I only got to see her at the start and finish, but Her parents and Sister got to see her at the half way point.   That must have been enough to keep her motivated for the final stretch.   Unfortunately,  I did not get any pics from them, and I don't think they even managed to take any.   They were too busy hugging and cheering her on.   That is why you have to have an official Photographer to catch you at these events.   They stay focused and don't get distracted with hugs. 

I waited at the finish line  cheering on the 10kers as they crossed the final mats.   I happened to see this guy who we had bumped into that morning getting our coffee and donuts ahead of the race.   We later bumped into him as the 10kers were starting their race.  And this final pic was him in the final stretch of the 10k.   Funny how you can make new friends at such an event.  I did no even catch his name....

The race seemed to take forever, but after it was over, it seemed like it was only a moment before we were back on the road heading to the Celebration of Life for Cheryl's late aunt.  It was a good time. ( As all funerals or celebrations of life end up being...) There was good food and we were able to catch up with distant relatives that I had not seen since the LAST funeral.   The Winters said that all of their funerals end up becoming family reunions in the end.   I guess that happens with folks who are not Genthers.  ( My Mom's side of the family...)  Every Genther Funeral ended up becoming a Reunion/ buffet as well. Who ever said the Dutch and Germans had nothing in common?

After that event, we headed over to Andy's and continued the Family stuff late into the evening.   Lots to catch up on and it  was difficult to squeeze everything into a single day.  But we did our best.   And if luck is with us,  they  all may be able to stop in to Iowa later this year for a visit.   If we are not working Or if they can afford it....  If Gas prices do not jump any further....  And so on and so on.  There is always something....

In the mean time....  Time to take a break.   Catch some rest, and prepare for tomorrow's long trip back.   I'm hoping the Sunday Traffic is more manageable on the way back to Iowa than it was on the way here.  There was plenty of Construction to slow things down as well.  But what do I care?   Cheryl says she is the one who wants to drive home.   I guess I will be able to sit  back and enjoy the scenery.   

Thanks for stopping in!  And I hope everyone has the Wonderful Remainder of the Weekend.