My nephew Jake had a list of goals on his whiteboard in his room. One was run a marathon, so about three months ago, I told him if he trained, I would pay the entrance fee for the L.A. Marathon on Memorial Day. He was game, and stuck to his training schedule like glue. The big day came, and he was SO nervous. I told him not to sweat it because he was going to have tons of fans cheering him along, and the excitement of the race would get him to finish line also. Finish….he did in 4 hours and 2 minutes. He would have gone under his 4 hour mark if he wouldn’t have needed a little blister aid or make stops at the facilities. But officially….4:02!
Tons of us were there to support, and Micah jumped in 1/2 way to help him along. Jake’s 1st half was really strong. He later said the Micah started running with him at the perfect time. Micah told us that there were times when Jake was really struggling, but he would try and talk him through it, and they would make progress little by little. Micah said that when he watched him struggle through the pain and cramping to keep going, he was so proud of him, and it would even bring mini tears to his eyes. I love my little softie! We were able to see him run four times during the race, and at the end. When I saw him right after the race, he said, “That was the hardest thing I have ever done.” Later he said that he doesn’t know if he will ever do another marathon. I am so impressed that at 15 years old….even before he can drive, he completed what many people never acconplish. Way to go Jake!
At 4:30 am on our way to the race. Don’t mind that 45 minutes after this picture, the battery in my car went bunk and I had to have AAA come and replace it in the middle of nowhere in L.A.
We had a T-Shirt contest for $20, and we were obviously the winners. But I humbly pulled myself from the competition so that others could make some mullah.
Micah’s T-Shirt that said, “This Guy Is The Man” with an arrow pointing at Jake. Contrary to what is seen here, Micah was meticulous to stay to Jake’s left side so the arrow pointed properly. Unfortunately, the only picture that came out with Micah’s shirt clear was one where he was on the right.
This one of Jake’s harder moments in the race. I think it was somewhere around mile 19ish.
Some of the best looking spectators.
Keeping warm after he finished! He was wiped, but so happy he finished.
His support group minus me and Belly. Belly was the photographer, and I was………
Nursing.
Baja Fish Tacos as a celebratory meal. Jake was starving and wiped. He slept in the car most of the way. After he got out, he said that he was so glad that he came in our car so he could get some peace and zzzz’s. The other car was definitely the party mobile.
He came home to more fans who were so proud of him. Nonnie also had this cake for him alongside $100 she said she would cough up if he finished! A few other suckers were also in on that action, and he made $300 for completing the race. Good for him, because he is saving up to buy a car.
Last but not least…..I gave him the really special gift of having my winning T-Shirt. And the best part is that he is seriously going to wear it to school. Talk about a cool kid!
**Update** — Jake was overheard saying that he wants to do his next marathon in July! I guess he might have the bug. Wierd that the “bug” never came my way?!
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