We did it!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous support of this fund-raiser for CCGB. Even here in Scranton I'm getting donations: Sherry Duff, a delegate from Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Trumbull and runner extraordinare (she finished in 3:30, an 8:01 pace for 26.2 miles, while nursing a sore back!) dropped by a generous gift. Along with another that was pledged last Friday, I was worth $845 a mile today, putting us close to $22,000 raised. I couldn't have done it without all of you.

There's still time to give: www.ccgb.org and click on "How to Donate," of mail a check payable to "CCGB" memoed "Marathon" and mail it to 1100 Boston Avenue, Building 5A, Bridgeport, CT 06610.

As for me, I beat my 2009 time (2010 was even slower) by 50 seconds, finishing in a "chip" time of 5:07:35 and a "gun" time of 5:09: approximately an 11:45 pace. Official results aren't posted yet, but this is close. While I would have enjoyed finishing under 5 hours, quads and back were not cooperating, particularly between miles 20 and 23. I felt better after that but the moment to capture a sub-5 hour marathon was lost.

Praying for so many people and churches helped keep my focus where it belonged. And I know many of you were praying for me. Thank you! I am sore but recovering well. Off to the local hobby shop and then to dinner! More later, or tomorrow.