It was the best of weather and the worst of weather…
Last Sunday dawned with temps in the 40s, pelting rain and 20+ mph winds. Not exactly the sort of weather a person dreams of running a marathon in, for sure, but IronHubs fought the good fight and finished strong. Today, we’re basking in the beauty of high clouds and temps in the 50s, with only a chance of showers later this afternoon. What a difference! Though IronHubs is wearing the exact same outfit for both races, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble telling which one he ran today versus last week – just look for the huge smile!
All bundled up to stay warm at the start of the Modesto Marathon last Sunday.
It was just starting to sprinkle as they left the gate, but it turned into a downpour right about the time IronHubs hit the halfway point.
For a little hint of how bad the wind was, check out that flag!
He was bummed to miss his goal time or even a PR, but at least it was another BQ and good enough for 22nd place OVERALL.
In the meantime, while IronHubs was out fighting through the wind and the rain, Big Boy and Little Boy ran the 5K!
As Big Boy ran past me at the Starting Line, I could tell something was wrong, but didn’t know what it was. He was sort of holding his side and I thought maybe his brother had elbowed him in the ribs or something (I know, shame on me for thinking something so awful about Little Boy! But they are brothers and believe me, it happens).
Even worse than his brother elbowing him, Big Boy got knocked down at the Starting Line! You can sort of see how bloody his knee is in this photo. My tough cookie still got up and ran the 5K in 25 minutes flat, coming in 33rd place OVERALL out of 600+ participants.
Little Boy came screaming into the chute at 27:31, a 40-second PR and good enough for…
Big Boy, on the other hand, got to visit the Medical Tent for the first time and *just* missed the podium. Not to sound like sour grapes, but the AGs weren’t arranged very fairly: 10 and under, then 11 – 15. That puts 6th graders competing with high-schoolers! No matter. Sometimes you win and sometimes you end up with bandages on your knees that make all the girls on your track team think you’re hardcore.
Fast forward to this morning, when it was chilly but not too cold, the wind was calm and there was nary a raindrop in sight. IronHubs’ goal for these back-to-back marathons was to beat his combined time of 6:40 from last year’s Boston-to-Big Sur challenge. Spoiler alert: it was a piece of cake!
The Starting Line. This was a no-frills race, with just a few hundred participants and run on the beautiful bike trail I’ve written about before. The race directors really put their money where it counts the most, though: a big ol’ finisher’s medal and excellent post-race food!
Heading out for a little 26.2 mile “fun run.”
While we were waiting for IronHubs to finish, Big Boy ‘n Little Boy played in a park by the river and within seconds found the biggest stick in the entire field. Gotta love boys.
Big Boy and Little Boy tried to chase him into the Finish, but even at the end of his second marathon in seven days, IronHubs is a speed demon!
Yep, he finished this week’s marathon even FASTER than last week’s! 3:12:11, his second fastest time and good enough for 9th Place OVERALL as well as…
FIRST PLACE IN HIS AGE GROUP!!!
It’s true, they were handing out awards from the back of a U-Haul truck, but like I said, they put their money into the good stuff: a post-race BBQ lunch with brisket, beans, coleslaw and biscuits!
Needless to say, I’m ridiculously proud of all three of my boys for their fantastic racing!!
Mike says
Damn! Excellent job with your 2 marathons. The entire family raking in all the hardware.
Jogging with Fiction says
wooohoo hubs! That is seriously amazing. He is speedy!
ajh says
Wow! You should be proud of all your boys. They are amazing! What is your Big Boy going to do as he gets older when he is placing so well now? And Iron Hubs with 2 marathons with awesome times. And Little Boy getting an age group win. Plus I bet you placed in the terrific support crew and cheerleader category.
Julie says
You guys simply ROCK!!! What a family!
Your boys are super amazing. I can’t believe he fell and then jumped right up to rip that race up! Congrats to all!
Christi says
Congratulations to all your boys!
Char says
All I could think of with that pre-race pic of your boys is – look at those cold legs! The weather looks pretty nasty. Well done for your hubby. Two marathons in two weeks – INSANE!
Teamarcia says
Congrats to all of your boys! What awesome race times all around!
Michael says
Wow, great job to everyone!!! You are quite the little racing family! Your husband is awesome! Holy Smokes!
RockStarTri says
Great job everyone!
The Green Girl says
Wow. I am so impressed, I’m speechless!
ratherthecouch says
Wow!! Go Team P!! I love the concept of a 26.2 mile “fun run”!
Tortuga_Runner says
Wow P, you’ve got some hard core boys in your household. Congrats all around!
Karen says
A family of prize winners! WOW! 🙂
Annette@(running)In the Right Direction says
Hey just happened upon your blog! Great to have the whole family out running! Looking forward to future posts!
Colleen says
Amazing races for all of the guys in your life! Big congrats to all of them!
Small Town Runner says
That is just some GOOD racing all-around!!!
I just love how proud you are of all your guys…and the knee. Oh man! Tough kid!!!
Congrats to the hubs for back to back BQs =D
Laurie says
Congrats to all your boys… simply awesome!! How lucky for you to be surrounded by such cuties! 🙂