Team Rookie

If you have been reading for a while, you may remember Team Ashley from last year's marathon. Unfortunately, Team Ashley was disbanded this year because I'm freaking 8 months pregnant and not running any marathon! But our good friend, THE ROOKIE (see him there on the left), decided he would step in and run this year's marathon. Well, to be honest, he has taken this whole running thing very seriously. He trains hard and is actually quite good. He is one of those people I refer to as 'real runners', whereas I am just a 'fake runner'.

So this year, Lucas and I bundled up and hit the road to do a bit of marathon spectating and cheering. I have to tell you: marathon spectating isn't easy. But I think back to my experience from last year and realize it is much easier than putting one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles. Yes, I prefer to drive.

At the start and Mile 2, Lucas decided to share some inspiration with the runners:
A lot of runners complimented us on the sign but we had a few negative remarks. I don't think they would have been encouraging me to run so much if they would have seen the belly I was hiding behind my sign.

Well, The Rookie enjoyed it and that is all that matters. Here is his smiling face at Mile 2:

Since the "Hurry Up" sign got such rave reviews, Lucas took out his next masterpiece at Mile 6:

Now I think this is absolutely hilarious! Almost There! Only 20 more miles to go! Haha! The traffic guard and most of the runners were laughing along with us.... only a few sarcastic remarks. Oh, well! You can't please everyone! And let me tell you: a good laugh and keeping the spirits up does wonders in the midst of 26 miles. I think we were doing good and spreading cheer..... for the most part.

We got the little rascal out for Mile 15.
He stayed bundled up with his daddy and waited for The Rookie.
I did my part....
And The Rookie's girlfriend and her friend were out to cheer him on at this spot...

Can you tell they are big New Kids on the Block fans?

He was still all smiles at this point! Go Rookie!
We caught up with The Rookie again in our neighborhood at mile 19.

We had an especially encouraging sign at this spot between mile 21 and 22 ~ which will go unpublicized. Funny... I don't remember him smiling at that one. Haha!

Then it was time to load up and meet him at the finish line...


Wow! Can you see that time?
3 hours, 52 minutes. I have to tell you.... this is like an hour and a half faster than me. Told you he was a 'real runner'.


Not sure if he was covering tears or the painful look in his face here....

But the look of agony quickly turned to a smile once he saw us all there to tell him how proud we are of him and what a great job he did! He really did do awesome! I am totally in awe.

Some lovin' from the GF

We love you, Rookie!
Great job!