Marathon 2008

Yes, folks. My husband is officially C.R.A.Z.Y.!
(And yet, I am so proud of him!)

Jesse ran yet another Houston Marathon last Sunday. I forget how many years he has been running it now, but this year was more impressive than ever. Not necessarily because he ran his absolute best, but simply because he still ran it! With everything that has happened in the past year, there was technically no time for Jesse to train properly. Between having two jobs, a new baby at home, difficult weather conditions, and more, it is a wonder he was able to "train" at all.

Here are some photos from the exciting morning. :)

Chilling out in the car, around 6:30 am. We had already dropped Jesse off to begin the race, and headed to our 1st mileage marker (mile 12). Luckily, there was a Starbucks right there! So I had my morning caffiene rush while Ryleigh enjoyed her bottle.
Watching all the runners go by at mile 12, watching anxiously for Jesse.
Here he comes! (He is on the left, in navy shorts and a white shirt...few people back.) Jesse looked great at mile 12! He was actually ahead of his intended pace, and still looked strong, hydrated, and motivated. Very encouraging!

I did not post a picture from our next meeting, at mile 21. Our friend David joined Jesse at mile 13, and finished the 2nd half of the marathon with him, hoping to keep him on pace. Luckily, David runs with his cell phone, so he called me before they reached me at 21, and told me to make sure and have drinks ready! Jesse looked pretty tired by that point. I had Gatorades, water, and an energy drink ready. It seems funny at mile 21 to say, "you're almost done!" when in reality there are still 5 and 1/2 miles left...which can last another entire hour, depending on your pace! By this point, Jesse had actually dropped below his pace goal, and was frustrated. David and I kept encouraging, and after a few minutes of rest, they were off again.

So, Ryleigh and I headed to the finish line. In the previous locations, it was easy for me to put her in her stroller, and find a spot along the race line. In case you have never seen the finish line at the Houston Marathon (or any marathon for that matter), it is packed! People are everywhere, there are stands with people, and people lining the streets throughout downtown as far as you can see. Needless to say, the stroller was not going to work so well, moving in and out of all the people, so Ryleigh went in the Baby B'Jorn. I dont think she minded being "held" by mommy one bit!

After we had been at the finish line for awhile, watching anxiously for Jesse, I got nervous. Luckily, David's girlfriend Sara had found me, and David called her with an update. Apparently, at mile 23 Jesse pretty much cramped up completely and collapsed. Luckily, David was able to help rub his legs and stretch him out real good right then and there. Unfortunately, Jesse's parents and brother & sis-in-law were right there, and that was the first they saw of him. Talk about scary! Anyway, he got up, walked it off a bit, and proceeded to the finish line...just a little slower than before.

David had to drop off a few blocks before the finish line, as no "non-registered" runners can cross the finish line, so he quickly called to tell us Jesse was closing in on the finish. Here he is! (on the left, in navy shorts and white shirt) Right about this time, I started screaming real loud, jumping up and down (yes, Ryleigh was still in the Baby B'Jorn, jumping along with me), and Jesse looked to his left and saw us in the crowd.

Half smiling as he passed us by, and went on to finish in 4 hours and 20 minutes. Pretty dang good!
Can I just say, as I saw Jesse coming up the road, what an overwhelmingly proud feeling came over me? I'm not joking, and I truly cannot explain it. My heart beats so fast, and I know I'm smiling uncontrollably, so proud of him and his accomplishment, but also so proud that he is mine. What a lucky girl I am. I can only imagine the pride that will come as we watch our kids succeed and excel...it truly is an amazing feeling. Like part of you is with them, and you are just bursting with pride!! I know I'm repeating myself, I just wish I could explain it justly. Let me just say, it is awesome.

Afterwards, we all met up inside the convention center. Jesse was tired, but luckily he was not cramping like before. He was incredibly dehydrated, with salt all over his face and neck, and we think that had something to do with the muscles cramping up. Overall, he actually recovered much quicker this year than he has in the past.

Here is a picture of David & Jesse- crazy running buddies!
Jesse was very excited about his meal after the marathon...lol. He had planned on it for about a month leading up to the day. So, sure enough, after the race Jesse, David, Sara, Ryleigh, and I went to Fuddruckers and totally pigged out. Haha, good stuff. He probably need to replenish the calories lost...me, not so much, but who can refuse a cheeseburger?

Another year, another marathon. And most important, another proud moment of my husband. :) Way to go, babe. You never cease to amaze me.