13.1 miles

I started the race with Lori, she wore a white ribbon that said " Mom," mine said " Dad."

Blackbird started singing in my ears just before mile 8- and I looked to my left and saw Alyssa and Lauren cheering for me on the sidewalk.

I stopped for hugs, smiles, and encouragement. She offered all of it. Her presence has such an amazing way of making me feel like I can accomplish anything, and I found myself running off with anticipation of her greeting me at the finish line.

Just after Mile 9- my Mom was jumping up and down cheering for me and as dehydrated as the 90 degree sun made me, I felt my eyes well up with tears.

The miles blurred from 9 to 12, but then I was back on the boardwalk, running with the beach alongside of me, listening to " Every step you take...".

I felt him with me and I ignored the pain shooting through my back, hips, legs and feet, and the sun that was simply radiating my skin and dripping sweat all over my face.

I crossed the finish, got my medal, walked off for water and orange juice. I took off my sneakers and the grass felt like a foot massage to my aching arches; so swollen and sore.

I zig-zagged through the crowd of people, and the American Cancer Society tent was in sight. My eyes adjusted, and I saw my Mom, Alyssa, and Lauren standing on the hill with arms open and smiles as wide as the ocean itself.

I wanted to run to them, but, well...I was sort of exhausted.

 Instead, my energy came with the wave of realization that $1,253 was just donated in honor of my father.

As they approached me, I collapsed into Alyssa's arms, as I have so many times before. This time was different.

It was a collapse of strength, tears of happiness, pride, and strength. An accomplishment I was so happy to be sharing with her, and a moment in time I know I'll remember forever.

My Mom poured water over my steaming head, and I continued to cry staring off into the ocean. Our hug turned into a sandwich, my mom and Lauren included.

I was literally, and figuratively, completed surrounded by love and I felt my breath relax and a sense of peace replace the aches and pains.

We walked down to the ocean, and I held my mom's hand as we ran into the water.

We did it Dad.