Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Mercedes Update

Last Friday, Jackson and Jonathan got the Mercedes Marathon weekend started by racing at the Bell Center. There were about ten heats - they started with children "racing" in strollers. Then, those children who could walk in walkers raced - one child had her walker decorated with red and white feather boas - it was great!

Jackson tried to show Jonathan what to do beforehand but little brother was not interested. Jonathan was in heat eight. He was not excited - he had been having fever for several days previous. We figured out he was cutting all four molars at once. Whew! When Jonathan's race started, he clapped for the other kids. We convinced him to get going himself. He loves men right now and tried to run for a random man on the side. He finally made it to the end - what is neat is that he is walking so well on his own and did it alone!

Jackson ran in the sibling race. He told me that if he ran against his friend, Cate, he would slow down for her. I said, "Oh, I'm sure Cate wouldn't mind if you tried to beat her, Buddy.":) He just loved being there and being a part of it all. He is such a wonderful, patient brother - God could not have gifted us more with this guy!

Sunday was race day for the adults. I ran the first leg. Jim, Jamie's dad, ran the second leg. Brooks ran the second leg and Courtney ran the third portion. Drew was our alternate. Since everyone arrived healthy, Drew ran with Courtney. Drew had been up since 3:30 or 4am, helping to set up water stations and cones throughout the course. Brooks, Courtney, and Drew are all friends from our Small Group at church. It was so wonderful to have them involved. We all wore our numbers on the front and Jonathan's picture on the back. Courtney turned, pointed to Jonathan's picture, and said, "This is for you, Buddy!" Jamie ran the last leg. As he turned to take off, his iPod malfunctioned. He would be running for 7.5 miles. He decided not to get upset and sang the songs to himself and prayed!

Our friends from college, Wade and Clarke, both had every intention of coming. Both had trained to run the half marathon but neither could race as a result of injuries. Wade pulled a ligament that was too painful to run on after mile two. Clarke had a puncture from a rusty nail that caused his leg to swell to where he had to wear a brace. We simply appreciated them training and trying to get here! We hope to see them next year!

We all ran better than we hoped. We finished the marathon in four hours and fifteen minutes. We showed up and were healthy. I had moments of trying not to cry. I have said it before and I will say it again. I have been racing since I was 14 and how awesome it is to race for something so important as this!

The WAKM team that ran for Jonathan came in second overall in the relay teams. They finished the race in just over three hours - 3:09!!!! They were incredible. To race for them, one must average seven minute miles - neither Jamie or I qualified for that! Thanks to Josh, Steven, Jess, Joseph, and Ann! Josh, Steven, Jess, and Joseph work at WAKM. Ann's parents work there - she is a seventh grade student at Mountain Brook Junior High - whoa!

Those of us who ran for Jonathan are currently in second place in the Bell Center's fundraiser by only about an $800 difference. YOU CAN HELP US CHANGE THAT! Our deadline is Monday, February 18. We would love to win with your help so please give by logging on to www.firstgiving.com/jonathanwarren. If you would prefer to write a check, please make it out to The Bell Center and send it to: The Bell Center, 1700 29th Court South, Homewood, AL, 35209.

Here are some pictures we took at the Bell Center race and at the Mercedes. Enjoy!

Jackson getting ready to race. He wore his Bell Center shirt and a
picture of Jonathan that said, "Running for Jonathan."

Here Jackson is trying to get Jonathan ready for his race.

Grandpa, Jackson, and Grammie on the sidelines waiting for the
race to begin.
Cate and Jackson getting ready to race for their siblings!

Molly (Cate's sister) and Jonathan, at the starting line.

Molly loves Jonathan! As far as the parents are concerned, Molly and Jonathan
are betrothed.
Jim and Betty (Nana and Pops) before Jim ran the second leg.

Jackson and me after I ran my leg. Grammie and Jonathan in the
background.

Brooks ready to go!

Brooks' son, Brooks:). He wore his daddy's racing singlet and medal to school the
next day. He told his teacher that he ran in a race for his friend's brother,
Jonathan, and that he won the race. Sweet boy! He was so proud and excited!
Courtney, Jonathan, and me before Courtney ran her leg. Drew ran with her as well
(where is he?). She ran even though she was four and a half months pregnant!

Grandpa, Jonathan, Nana, and Jackson, waiting at the finish.

Pops (Jim), Julie, Jonathan, Jamie, Courtney, and Brooks. We neglected to get a
picture with Drew. At that point, Drew was babysitting Jackson and Brooks so we
could take a picture. Drew had been up since 4am helping to set up water stations!


This is Jonathan starting his race...
Jonathan crossing the finish line...
Jackson racing for his brother...