San Francisco Marathon and Vacation Recap

We have returned from what has to be the best family vacation ever, for our family that is as of yet; plans are already in work for something bigger and better. The reason this trip cam about was this is the year that I turned the big 40, and I wanted to run the San Francisco marathon as a present to myself. Jennifer took the idea, and planned a great vacation. We flew out on July 25th - that is Jennifer, Me, Elizabeth (who is 6) and Baby Caroline (who is 11 months). We flew into Detroit and had to catch another plan to San Fran. We had 10 minutes, before the second plan took off and over between gates. It was crazy - I was running with four different bags around my neck and back, Elizabeth was running harder than you could imagine, she would run on the moving sidewalks to keep up. Jennifer was pushing baby Caroline in a tiny stroller. We made it, all sweating like crazy. Elizabeth loved the plane rides and baby Caroline traveled well. It would take way to long to write about everything we did over the 7 day trip, but will list most of them: Jelly Belly Factory Muir Woods Golden Gate Bridge China Town Little Italy Presidio - this is a Great Place to take the family Drove around the city - Lombard Street - crazy Fisherman’s Warf Boat Ride - around the bay After all of this I ran the marathon on Sunday morning, start time 5:32. It was a dark and foggy start. The route is a great way to see the city. Check it out on youtube. My training was not all that great leading up to the run and I was not all that rested, so I am happy with my 3:42 finish time. Jennifer and the girls have their own story about trying to meet me at the finish; just know it did not go as planned, and I walked back to the hotel alone. I used the hotel desk phone to call Jennifer to let her know where I was, so her and the girls could walk back. We got ready and left for Santa Cruz, as soon as I got out of the shower. Santa Cruz was nice, baby Caroline got the croup, which slowed us down a little, but we still had a good time. Elizabeth loved the Boardwalk area; she rode rides two nights in a row. The trip home was uneventful, and we were all super glad to be home. It was a great time - which I hope we will all remember fondly. I am so thankful that we are able to have these great experiences together. Not sure where the next big race will be, but I will be taking the family with me.