I get pretty emotional over things...that doesn't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me well! Just about anything can make me weepy...but few things make me absolutely proud! Today was one of those days though.
Justin ran the Shamrock'n 1/2 Marathon -- not his first race, not his longest race, just another race for him. But today was different. He'd asked if we were going to be there. And since it was local we didn't question for a moment going. After a full day yesterday sleeping in sounded like a better idea this morning...but I'm so glad I didn't!
We positioned ourselves near the Tower Bridge to watch him at about mile 1 which would then turn into mile 4 about 18 minutes later. I knew it was a good race when he passed us in 7th place. He looked great and was right on his schedule at both mile 1 and 4. After he passed us we wandered to the finish line at Railey Field, not waiting to cheer anyone else because it was just a little too cold! We found a spot at Railey field and waited for his finish. I found a photo spot as close to the field as I could (dopey finish line, no spectators on the field, had to sit in the stands...but that is topic for another post about my inability to deal well with stupid rules) I was kicking myself for not getting a little inside pass to the finish line.
I'd written down Justin's expected finish time of 122 on a Post It and waited.
Just short of that time we saw him enter the field with the announcers (Tom and Dusty) greeting him as J-Dub. Not only did he look great but he was 5th overall! A field of 3000 and MY little brother was 5th! I'm not sure if I was more proud to be his sister or to see the smile of PURE joy on his face as he crossed the line.
IMG_0782-Edit-justin finish, originally uploaded by sheakey.
He's raced a lot of races, but this one was just different! It was after the race that he said he had PR'd (personal record) by 3 minutes! 3 MINUTES!! That's just crazy! He runs about a 6:20 minute per mile pace. Maybe you can cut off seconds...but minutes?? Just PROUD! Proud that he could work so hard. Proud that he can run that fast. Proud that he found something he loves! Just PROUD he's MY little brother!
6 comments:
Oh my gosh! I so wish I could have been there, I am sitting here with tears running down my face (wonder where you get that from) I am so proud of my son..and of you for being there ALWAYS you both make me so proud..
Love Mom...
the tears must run in the family..because they're pouring down my face as well!!!!
It must be Katrina's way of writing because even though I am not related, her proudness of her brother shined through and had me teared up. I just finished a LO about my brother and her writing was so touching!
Good stuff! Thanks for being out there. This definitely makes up for the World of Warcraft blog.
I remember watching him run through Bratlett Park when he was in high school and he looked like a deer then. I'm not bawling, just grinning a lot. Way to go!
Auntie Rosie
what Heather said... LOL
you are amazing girl, so supportive of your little bro, and WOW congratulations to him!!! 5ht of 3000, that is just amazing :)
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