I have to give props to all the people that come out to the races and stand tirelessly on the sidelines cheering runners along. When things start to hurt throughout your body, it's easy to focus on that. When all of a sudden, some random person shouts your name with some encouraging word. It's amazing how you immediately forget the pain and get a boost of energy. When this happens throughout the race, it makes a huge difference.

I would be remiss not to mention how fun it was to see Tanya & the girls on the course. When I arrived at the top of the hill, I was treated to big smiles, shouts, waves, and a special "Go Daddy Go" sign in the arms of Megan. I had to resist the urge to run over and pick them up for hugs.

After the race, Megan told me that when she gets bigger, she wants to run in a race with me while holding my hand. How fun!

Denver 1/2 Marathon Recap

Despite my painful facial expression in the picture, the day was a success. Tanya happened to position herself with the camera at the top of the longest hill I faced all race. I doubt there were many smiles from any of the runners at that spot, which was around the 9 mile mark.

The weather was perfect for running...my knee was pain-free...and the course was really cool as we wound through downtown Denver and several of the city parks. If that wasn't enough, I enjoyed a fast pace that somehow I sustained for the entire run. I came across the finish line at 01:43:38.

My favorite moment? Standing in line about 5 minutes before the start, listening to an awesome rendition of the national anthem followed by a flyover from two jet fighters. It sent chills throughout my body...although maybe the 42 degree temp at the start played a role in those chills too.

My least favorite moment? About an hour after the race, I carried Megan on my shoulders as we walked several blocks to my car. Normally, carrying her 30+ lb. frame isn't a big deal, but after a 13 mile run...it felt like I had 100 lbs on my shoulders.