And I need to write about it.

I want to brag on him so much for this accomplishment that had me in tears over this past weekend. Yes he ran a full 26.2 miles in just 3 hours and 26 minutes and 55 seconds (!!!) (pause here for effect and to let that sink in…) but the whole experience had me emotional for so many reasons. First of all, he’s always been a gifted runner, but watching the work he put into training over the last few months has been inspiring and admirable.

Second, the marathon he chose to run was The Green Bay marathon and that has so many emotional connections for our family. Our Grandma Betty and Grandpa Jake had deep ties to the community, they were best friends with the Lombardis, a history with the Packers, and Dad and my Aunt Pat were born and raised there.

We spent a lot of time as kids visiting Grandma Betty in De Pere, walking along and pontooning on the Fox River, and having dinner at The Union Hotel or Mandarin Garden. We took a family trip to walk down memory lane in 2016, a couple years before Dad was diagnosed, and I’m so glad we did. It was a super special trip. The town is dear to us and the fact that Kris ran through all these places, including through Lambeau field was just so neat.

Third of all, this weekend marks two years since Dad’s passing, a statement that still brings stinging tears to my eyes when I say or type it. I always talk about my deep bond with my dad, but Kris had his own deep connection with Dad; they were best friends.

When my dad was 43 he ran the Atlanta marathon, and had a sub-four hour finish. Kris always said he would run a marathon too, so at age 41 he ran a very special race in a completely awe-inspiring time with a picture of Dad held up proudly next to him at the end for good measure. When he and mom sent me the picture on Sunday I burst into tears. I’m so proud of him and know Dad is, too. I’m so glad Mom got to be there for the weekend with him, cheering him on and sending us videos along the way.

My brother is an awesome guy all around. He’s a dedicated son, husband, and dad. He’s super smart, a technology wiz, sarcastic and witty. He’s also humble and a more private person than I am. He won’t shout this accomplishment from any rooftop and might even not love that I’m sharing it here, but how could I not? I’m so proud of him for so many reasons. Thanks for letting me brag on him the way I know Dad would of (and the way mom does!). He deserves it all so much.