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| Lailey and Granddaddy |
It all began with a Podcast. Davey had taken up running again after doing different workouts on and off for a long time. When he gets involved with something, he reads, he listens, he researches, and totally immerses himself in whatever the something is. That's why he came across a running Podcast. The woman was talking about "having what it takes" to do a marathon, and he thought, "Hey, I should do that. People will think I'm crazy but I want to conquer it." And so he did. For several months starting last summer, he ran 600+ miles in training, many in minimalist running sandals, called
Xero Shoes. He read "Born to Run," and even got me to read it. I figured if he loves this stuff so much I might as well have some knowledge of it so we can discuss it. Plus, he said it was a really interesting read and he was very right.
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| Whitney and Eli |
We collaborated on how to make the weekly training work with our schedule, carefully balancing work, traveling, and taking care of the kids. It became a family affair. He may have been the one to put in the miles, but I was the one getting up earlier to get ready for work and take care of breakfast (his usual responsibility when I work). By the time October came, we pretty much had it down.
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| Nick, Julie, and Addy |
Without him knowing, I contacted family and friends and asked them to join me at the finish line to cheer him on. We all headed to Atlanta on a Sunday morning and got ready to freeze! It is not normally that cold at the end of October, but this morning was exceptionally windy and chilly.
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| The sign in the background says "Chuck Norris Can't Run 26.2 Miles" |
Davey knew that I would be there with the kids, but he didn't know he'd have a welcome crew, complete with bright green "TEAM DAVE" t-shirts, thanks to Julie. It was a blast!
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| Shelley and Maddox |
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| Here he comes! |
Davey finished in 4 hours and 52 minutes, an outstanding time for a first marathon, especially a hilly course like Atlanta. While time is important to many people, his #1 goal was finishing strong and healthy, without any major issue. He had mentioned that he'd like to finish under 5 hours as well, so he met both goals. He was excited to see everyone!
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| All of Team Dave |
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| Yay Daddy! |
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| The Band |
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| The bracelet Lailey made for Davey, strapped to his hydration pack |
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| Bib number and medal |
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| He did it! |
Soon after the race, Davey looked at me and said, "Does this make you want to run a marathon?" To which I replied, smiling, "Nope, but it makes me want to cheer you on at the next one!"
