Arkansas

A year ago, when we were at the expo for the Cleveland half marathon, Emily suggested we do a run in Arkansas. I told her I was not going to drive 14hrs to run in Arkansas, but she guilted me into it. Not only would we get a break from the cold, but we would get to see Holland Chapel, our sending church. She only ended up being half right.

We dropped the boys off with my parents and the dog off with some friends. We drove into Kentucky and decided to stop for the night. The next day wasn't bad. We were on the road by 8am and at our friends in Arkansas by 5pm. Jon and I stayed with Jeremy and his family. The house was beautiful, the people were nice, but after a long dinner and some chit chat, we were pooped.

A treat on the way down!

Emily and Courtney were flying in Saturday. Unfortunately, they had a delay and didn't get in until early afternoon. That gave us plenty of time to experience Arkansas donuts. A friend of mine always complains about how donuts in the north don't compare to the south, and I always ignore her. Not anymore though---they were delicious! They are soft, sweet and melt in your mouth. Imagine Krispy Kreme donuts right after they are cooked, but about 1,000 times better!
Once the gals got in, we headed to the one and only sight we were interested in seeing, Central High School, sight of the Little Rock Nine. The school is amazing. Its big and beautiful. They opened a small museum and have preserved the gas station across the street where the reporters would call in their story. It was really exciting to experience the history, but sad to know that happened.
After the school, we headed to the race expo to pick up our bib #'s, shirts and look around. Once we figured out how the relay would work, we drove to the hand off points and through Emilys section of the race. Emily, took the longest stretch, which was also the most difficult. It was one hill after another. We were a bit concerned for her.
After another home cooked dinner this time by Leeannes (the 4th member of our relay team) mom, we headed home.
We were up at 5:30am race day. We somehow managed to find the Calaway brothers in the crowd and got our pre race Crosspoint (and Dan) picture. Jon and I started the race. All the races started together and on the same track so Jon got to run my whole leg with me. I was nauseous and it was cold. It was in the low 30's when the race started, but we made it. Jon finished his race in about 2.5hrs. He was sore, but he did it. Courtney flew through her section, Emily did an amazing job with the hills and Leanne finished us strong. we finished at 4:45:19--just a few minutes behind Todd and Dan.

The start/finish line before the race.

The gang.

Jon crossing the finish line (in the middle).

We did it!!!

Church was Sunday night at Holland Chapel. Todds other brother, Nick preached. The church is amazing. The southerners refer to it as a campus, and it is. We got a tour, met a lot of wonderful people and then headed to dinner with all of our Arkansas friends. It was great to not have to worry about the race anymore and just relax with friends. After dinner, and a nerts lesson (we're coming for you Ami), it was off to bed. We were back on the road before 6am on Monday and made it home by 9:30pm to see three kids awake and waiting for us!
Its great to be home. We had a lot of fun experiencing something new, but I'm glad we're home.