So the thing about a marathon is that it's not very conducive to photography. The person actually competing in the marathon passes by you very quickly (it being a race and all), and most of the time is spent like this . . .
"Is that him?"
"Nope, he's taller than that."
"I think I see him! No . . . never mind, that guy's shirt says 'Wayne'."
"Look for a red shirt -- he was going to wear a red shirt. Unless he changed."
"Here he comes! Here he comes! Go, Josh! Looking good!"
"Alright, let's go."
Josh finished with a time of 3 hours and 55 minutes, which was a full 24 minutes faster than his previous marathon. For those of you who don't know much about running (and let's face it, that's most of us), that is a very impressive result. He was just edged out by the winner, who finished in 2 hours and 7 minutes -- clearly that person was using a jet pack of some sort. However, Josh was very glad to have accomplished his goal of running the race in under four hours. And we were all very proud of him. (All of us being me, Walt, and Nana and Putty, who accompanied us on the trip.) And they gave him a medal and everything!
Walt was quite the trooper on the trip. He took naps in his stroller, got his diaper changed in the park, ate in hotel desk chairs, etc. He was even smiling and having a good 'ol time on the plane ride home at 9:30 last night. He didn't really lose it until we were turning into Nana and Putty's subdivision, but by then, his crib was in sight (even though he didn't know it yet). I was quite nervous about this little undertaking, but we all came through with flying colors.
*Make sure the check out the "Chicago Marathon" photo album at left, and see some video of another one of Walt's firsts here:
Download MVI_2132.AVI
Walt, we have just spent one of the most fantastic weekends of your life (and maybe even of our lives). We are so glad you invited us to come along for the spectacular event of the marathon. You have the coolest dad; bet even the winner didn't shave off 24 minutes from his previous time!! You have the greatest mom in the world (and not because she can find a Starbucks in record speed while pushing a baby stroller). Of course, the coolest of all is you--after being swapped from person to person and being buckled into all kinds of contraptions, you still managed to smile and win the hearts of all who saw you. YOU'RE A CHAMP--not even Uncle Stephen's CUBS come close to being as big a hit in Chicago.
ReplyDeleteWe love you, Walt!
For the record, the winner was Felix Limo from, you guessed it, Kenya. His time of 2:07:02 was the fastest marathon so far in 2005. The top ten men's spots went to Kenyans. Unbelievable. The women's winner was Deena Kastor, an American, the first American woman to win a major U.S. marathon in over ten years. Both the men's and women's winners got $155,000 in prize money. Apparently Deena's feet "got tender" toward the end. Yeah, me too.
ReplyDeleteJosh,
ReplyDeleteWe knew you could do it! The Amsterdam marathon in on oct 16th, maybe you should try it, no hills at all. You can basically see the finish when you start
Walt,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know how much we love getting to see you and follow along as you grow and change. Remember we love you!
Aunt Kathy
You've started that kid out right...a trip to Chicago! That's coming from a family of CUBBIES fans. (I think we are practically the only CUBS fans in WKY, this is CARDINAL country!) Congrats Josh on a great finishing time! (You can shave a little off that time 'cause you stopped to talk to Walt right? Five or 10 minutes? Any little bit counts!) You've got some great pictures on the Chicago album. Walt is a doll! But you already knew that!
ReplyDeleteLove ya,
Vanessa
HA...Ginger. You have summarized the spectator portion of the marathon perfectly. Add in aksing him if he wants a jolly rancher or something and it sounds identical to how my time is spent. Josh, man that time is great! Congrats! 24 minutes shaved is a big deal! Walt must have been so proud to see so many people come in AFTER daddy....
ReplyDeleteJosh, way to go!! I'm proud of you. The photos were great but I think you might want to probe in to the real reason Dad was there! Just kidding. I know he's proud you are a runner too, but can you believe the way he looks when he is holding Walt?! Mom too! Too adorable. Maybe you and Walt can run one together someday. I'd like to see that!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SWEETEST BOY IN MEMPHIS. Are you really 9 months old? You surely don't look it, and your mom and dad certainly don't look old enough to have a 9-month-old.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Walt!
Happy Birthday to a very handsome, 9-months-and-one-day-old!!!! Walt, we can't wait for the stuffed dog picture!
ReplyDeleteLove you
Hope you had a very happy 9 month b-day Walt.
ReplyDelete-martha-
Walt...it was so hard being away from a computer for a whole week. I now know that I am a true "Walt's World" and "Collier's Corner" addict. Happy Belated 9 month birthday! I can tell from the way that you are looking at your Daddy in the picture that he is your hero! We are so proud of his amazing accomplishment. I still don't know how anyone runs 26 miles...in one day?!?! The marathon pictures are great and it is obvious how much fun you had in Chicago with Mommy, Daddy, Nana, and Putty. I hope they got your picture in front of Wrigley Field...to carry on the family tradition! Have a fun week at school! I love you and miss you.
ReplyDelete