Mike and I cannot express our thanks enough to those of you who supported and encouraged Mike through your comments, emails, and giving. We were overwhelmed by the generosity shown, and thanks to you all, Mike exceeded his financial goal he set for his team – and he completed his very first 10K race! (I think I mentioned before that Mike has never been, nor has he ever wished to be, a runner. However, since he began training just a few short weeks ago, he found that he actually started to like running, and has now set his sights on a half-marathon.)
We arrived downtown early for the check-in, and then it was time to head out into the streets. The day was a drizzly, chilly 53 degrees, but according to the seasoned runners in the group, this made for an excellent day.
Looking past the 2-mile start point, I was shocked at how many people were up ahead!
With Sophie cheering him on, it was going to be a great day for a run. 🙂
Here was another runner for the OPD, Nick…
When the loudspeaker called for everyone to get ready, Mike started his warm-up…
And it's time to go!
As Soph and I walked to where the finish line was to be, we saw a peculiar sight…
"Who the heck are they?" Sophie asked.
"You are un-American," I replied.
It was just over an hour later that we spotted Mike coming around the bend, headed toward the finish and probably wondering if we were going to be there…
I think he found us!
"GO DAD! GO BEST BUDDY!" Sophie called…
We were so proud of him!
And he couldn't have done it without his training partner, Sophie.
And he would like to thank the following people for their kindness and generosity:
Paula S.
Marika C.
Diane A.
Sandra H.
Ladonna S.
Connie P.
Jeanne B.
Joseph A.
Margaret C.
Noele P.
Katrina D.
Robin H.
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I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who donated to the American Lung Association. It was very nice and thoughtful of each one of you who took the time to donate to such a worthy cause. Like most of you, I really enjoy reading my wife's blog. I always read the comments left by readers and am amazed at how kind and nice everyone is that leaves a comment. I also wanted to take a moment and thank everyone that left condolences and thoughtful messages when my parents passed away. All of those were very helpful to me. Thanks to all of you for being so thoughtful.
Mike
14 Comments
Peggy Lee
I’m almost moved to tears here. OK…I WAS moved to tears but I managed to choke them back.
I am so proud of you Mike and you had the best couple of cheerleaders anyone could ask for.
I enjoy reading your blog so much Paulette. Thank you for sharing!
Robin Hager
Mike, I am so proud of you! I was glad to be a small part of your success! It means so much for you to be dedicated to such a worthy cause. My husband and I try to promote organ donation because he received a new heart in February of this year. He looks 15 years younger, and we have a chance at a new life together. Thanks to generous people like you, someone else will have a chance to live a healthier, longer life.
Margaret
Hooray for Mike! Thanks for the pics — it’s great to see how the event went and all. I was happy to be a part of it all if only in a small way. And yay for Sophie the cheerleader too!
Tanya
Way to go, Mike!! That is awesome 🙂
Tanya
Jeanne B
Mike, I’m so proud of you for finishing that race. I know how far 10K really is. I lost my mom to lung cancer so this is a charity that is close to my heart. Thanks for doing it.
Nicole
An inspiring post & pics, just awesome!!
Marika Christian
You know I never mind being a single dog chick, but I think if I met a guy like Mike, I could give up the single part… not the dog part. I love what I see of his relationship with his daughters, especially Sophie .. and how does she not know who Bobba Fett is, what are they teaching the kids in school? Thanks for taking us with you … the pics made my night!
joann tx
yeah, mike! way to go! congrats on your winning finish!!! i didn’t see the other guys from the OPD which tells me you must have left them in the dust!!!
and what a great training buddy and cheer leader!
yeah sophie!
as for the darth vadar wanna be’s? only in omaha???
LLLLLY!!!
Catherine
Way to go!! Congrats on your accomplishment! I too was wondering about your fellow OPD runners? And, did you ever find anyone for that “bored” game after the race??
audrey enloe
Great job Mike!!! Natalie and I are so proud of you!!! Cant wait to see you! Those pics are great! Love you!
Liz Mathews
Hellllllllllooooo Nick 😉
Hope you are doing well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xoxoxo
Stephanie
Way to go, Mike!! What a huge accomplishment! Can’t wait to see the post of you passing the finish line in your first half marathon!! Congratulations!
DaleC
Congratulations, Mike, on your great finish! Your family must be soooo proud of you. Yay, Sophie, for being a best buddy cheerleader!
Robin
Congratulations on your finish, Mike!! And kudos to your for donating your time & efforts to such a great cause!!