Tuscaloosa Half Marathon
March 7
2:12:10
This event was not about the race, but about the pleasure and excitement of helping Hank. You see, Hank has Cerebral Palsy just like TJ, and this was to be his first half marathon. His mom and sister were also running, but Hank said they were too slow, haha. I have had the pleasure of meeting a group of people through that race with TJ last year, called Ainsley’s Angels. Their mission is to help special needs kids and young adults with disabilities reach their goals. Even though they can’t walk, they have a strong will and the desire to be competitive and win, just like all the rest of us.
The Alabama Ambassador for Ainsley’s Angels paired me up with a lady named Amy. We met just minutes prior to the race, so we didn’t know too much about each other. I asked her what she was thinking we could push Hank to, and she responded with a 2:08, whereas in my mind, I was thinking 2:20.
If you have never had the chance to do this, you should really try it. It is very rewarding in a lot of ways. I read a comment from another lady that was pushing, that talked about how she was getting burned out, and that this really gave her a new desire to run.
There were a couple of things that I want to share about the experience; it’s really about the way Hank was responding to all of this.
Here are a bunch of pictures.
Great job. You made good time too. How often did you switch places pushing? What's the significance of the elephant on the medal?
What a wonderful thing to do! It looks like you and Hank both had a great time. Way to go!
Look at that smile! What a wonderful day for you and Hank!
What a great day for you and Hank! Looks like you both had a lot of fun!
Mitch.. This is so touching.. Love the smiles.. from everyone
2015 Races
2XU HM - 29 Mar
I think this is only the second time ever I had to get up in the middle of reading a RR to go get a box of kleenex. The first was Runwell's ~4:10 finish at Boston 2013, if any of you remember that one. This one's a better story. It's a wonderful thing you did. I remember reading a story about the Hoyts, the father-son team who got famous doing marathons like this. The son loved it so much because if made it feel like he was running himself, something he'd never be able to do on his own. Can you imagine being a kid and not being able to just run around like any other kid? That's the great gift you gave Hank. Well done, Mitch.
Dave
Wow, that made me cry. Thanks for posting the RR. I saw your post in the dailies, and since I knew it wasn't TJ, I wondered what the backstory was.
Now that sounds like a great event! Thanks for sharing the RR and pics!
Thanks for sharing. I am testing out the waterproof claim on my mascara.
Barking Mad To Run
Wow, Mitch...just WOW. What a great race report and great photos! You have a big heart, my friend!
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt
Nice job, a great way to run a race.
You and Amy were in beast mode to push a stroller in 2:12! Well done. My favorite part of the story is Hank crossing the finish line in his walker. Now I'm grabbing the tissues.
This is awesome, Mitch! Thanks for sharing!
Damaris
As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.
Fundraising Page
elevenses
Thanks for sharing this, hog. This kind of thing makes me feel better about humanity. I also needed kleenex.