It all started on the Thursday night before the race when Michael, faced with having to stay home for a "required training" (see below), asked Nikki "what am I supposed to eat while you're gone?"
You see, Michael has only been home alone one time during our entire marriage, and therefore can't feed himself. At all. Ever.
While Nikki was, (in a farily animated manner) showing him the contents of the pantry, Michael dropped a can of soup on Nikki's foot. Nikki cried. So did Michael.
So, Michael sent Nikki off alone to Washington D.C. in flip flops. She couldn't get her running shoes on. Check out that swelling!
But, Nikki's weekend got significantly better when Michael unexpectedly showed up the next day at the door of her hotel room. You see, Michael's command figured out on Monday of that week that Michael didn't actually need the "required training." But, nobody bothered to tell anyone until the very last minute (the day before, 9am.) So, Michael hurried to find plane tickets, (roughly $500 more than they were 6 days earlier), board the dog, pack a bag and get to the airport for a redeye to DC.
(VAQ-140 Organizational Leadership/Communication=FAIL.)
So, Nikki got to run a marathon with Michael there! Running stuff....
Michael on the Metro at 3am our time. Early.
Michael and Nikki at the Start
Startline flyover by the ugliest plane the USMC owns; but it does some pretty cool stuff!
Start line!
Running past the Kennedy Center
Running past the Monument...one of many.
Running, Running, Running,,,
Nikki was fortunate to have one of her oldest friends, Lynnette, there to help Michael cheer her on. Thanks for the signs Lynnette!
Beating the Bridge (You have to run across this bridge, at mile 21 by a certain time or they make you ride a bus to the finish!)
Very excited to run past this guy instead of riding on a bus.
This guy was standing alone on the freeway around mile 23. He won the poll for "Best Course Entertainment" even though he wasn't officially part of the MCM.
Michael needed a girly drink at Clydes after the race.
He worked hard...spectating.
Nikki and her friend Kelly, wearing matching finisher jackets.
Nikki and her friend Kelly, wearing matching finisher jackets.
Yay for us!
Soup Foot after 26.2 Miles (read: 30 after we had to walk from Rosslyn to Georgetown for lack of Taxi/Metro service after the race.) Two weeks later, the swelling still hasn't gone down, and a chipped bone is suspected.
Soup Foot after 26.2 Miles (read: 30 after we had to walk from Rosslyn to Georgetown for lack of Taxi/Metro service after the race.) Two weeks later, the swelling still hasn't gone down, and a chipped bone is suspected.
Check back later for actual pictures of Nikki running!
