Atlanta Marathon - Go, Davey, Go!

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

Shelley and Maddox

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!

All of Team Dave

Yay Daddy!

The Band

The bracelet Lailey made for Davey, strapped to his hydration pack

Bib number and medal

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!"