Many thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes for AJ. He finished well! He experienced some knee and hamstring issues about 3/4 through, but pressed on.
He finished in 3:22:19.62 (8 minutes ahead of his goal time) qualifying him for the Boston Marathon. He placed #114 out of 1856 runners and in the top ten of runners age 20 -24 (he's 20).
Here's some pics (thanks to Lauren, Anita, and Phi Sigma Kappa):
http://www.razoo.com/story/Ajpanzica
He finished in 3:22:19.62 (8 minutes ahead of his goal time) qualifying him for the Boston Marathon. He placed #114 out of 1856 runners and in the top ten of runners age 20 -24 (he's 20).
Here's some pics (thanks to Lauren, Anita, and Phi Sigma Kappa):
bright and early - start of a great day
before the race - mental prep
crossing the mile 4 & 8 bridge
"AJ's running a marathon, yet still takes great pictures" Dave M.
"gonna fly now" (Eye of the Tiger - Rocky theme)
greeting his Phi Sig brothers at mile 11
approaching mile 23 hydration station (leading the 2nd pack)
mile 23 - recharged!!
heading home!
"cue Chariots of Fire music here" Lauren
roommate James running the last mile with him
FINISH LINE!!!
"Run in such a way as to get the prize
...to get a crown that will last forever."
1 Cor. 9:24-25
I'm so proud of this boy. He sure isn't perfect that I know. I don't want to be one of those blind "can you top this" moms. But he accomplished what few do.
And it wasn't just completing the marathon.
He had over 30 supporters there - family, school friends, church friends. These wonderful people to whom I am most grateful sacrificed time and money to be there at the crack of dawn and lend their support to this zany kid ("he's the happiest runner" Dave M). I know others wanted to be there, but supported him in other ways. Why? One of his fraternity brothers summed it up in a text "AJ's always there for us. Let's be there for him."
We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:8). Sunday's victory was not gained on that day. It was the months of preparation that allowed him to go the distance. And the support that he received was because of his daily investment in the lives of others, over months and years of relationship.
"whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Cor. 9:6
9 comments:
This is awesome! Love it! Way to go AJ!
Way to go, AJ! We weren't there physically, but our hearts were rooting for you all the way!
Bill & LoRae
Awesome!! What an accomplishment, I run a little every now and then and cannot even imagine going that distance! Congratulations ons such a great time!!
Bravo AJ and praising God for His strength and endurance.
you have every reason to be proud! that was great
Awesome! I love the joy that shines so brightly in every picture!
Congratulations AJ!! ANd now he can run in the Boston Marathon! Wow! I know I told you my husband ran his first 5K a few weeks ago in 9s degree temps-- I screamed when he finished and I know that's how you felt for your son!!! Congrats for having a great boy:)
Congratulations! Nothing wrong with being proud of your son, Susan, that was quite an accomplishment.
By the way, I linked your site on my blog... :)
Congratulations to AJ, what an accomplishment! :)
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