He trained. He ran. He sparkled.

13.1 miles of beautiful scenery (why, yes, that IS me waving at Rick).

Don's sister, brother-in-law, and niece drove across the state to cheer for Rick.

First Rick sighting from our front yard!
I'm still recovering from retinal damage from the first time I saw the training group tee.

Practice shot while waiting in the chute for Rick to run across the finish line.

His first sight of me in the chute after he blazed across the finish line.
I took the hugs and kisses ~ sweat and all. Wouldn't you?

Rick and Don's sister after the race.

Things you didn't know:

I was a running widow for 13 weeks. The group met to run two nights a week and Saturday mornings. When it was recommended he cross-train, he started doing vigorous yoga two nights a week and some Sundays. Did it bother me? Not in the least. Those of you in committed relationships get this, right?

I have no idea how much money Rick spent on running shoes before he found the ones that worked best for his body. Nearly every week a shoe-box shaped package was delivered to the house. When not being delivered, they followed him home in various bags from local running and sporting goods stores. Goodwill is the beneficiary of some dandy barely-used kicks.

Rick and I owe a debt of gratitude to the wonderful folks over at Runner's Alley. It was their training group he joined. They taught him so much more than how to safely run 13.1 miles. After the race, Rick told me it felt like he had a goofy grin on his face the entire run. One thing we both know is this: without their guidance, it is unlikely Rick would have even made it to the starting line. He's attempted to self-train for halfs before and injuries have kept him from ever running a single one.

The numbers. Because I'm a nerd, I love this crap.

The 2011 Seacoast Half Marathon raised over $75,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast. BOOYAH!

Everything you ever wanted to know about Rick's run, including his shoes.

He ran a very solid, steady pace mile after mile.

His every step. All bottled up in the beginning, he kicked it up into high gear at the end.

To all of you who read Don's story and sent along your condolences; to all of you who've supported Rick in his journey by donating or sending well wishes; to all of you who've been there when the going got tough: Thank you.

I can share the photos, the captions, and a bit of what was happening behind the scenes. What I can't do is express what's in my heart.

Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep.
~ Felix Frankfurter

Once you fix it in your mind that life itself is a gift, you begin to find happiness in just about everything.
~ Robert Brault

OOPS: One total I forgot to mention is the total amount raised for CureSearch. I forgot it because the donations aren't all in yet. Many of Rick's colleagues promised to double their donations if he ran an average 11 minute mile pace. Some friends challenged him by promising to double their donations if he ran an average 10 minute mile pace. The fundraising site is still open. If you're so inclined to drop a buck or two, follow the link or click on the button in the top left corner of the side bar. Thank you.