daddy’s marathon
🏃🏽He Did It!! Good Job, Ale. So Proud of You!!
In the heart of the picturesque Napa Valley, under the Californian rain on Sunday, March 4th, something remarkable happened. Ale, the man of the hour, crossed the finish line of the Napa Valley Marathon, achieving a monumental milestone—his first full marathon completed in under 3 hours! It was a moment of triumph, a culmination of dedication, passion, and a journey that began over a decade ago.
For those in our close circle, the tale of our love story is familiar, and some may even recall the infamous third date that never happened because Ale was two hours late. Why, you ask? He was running. Yes, you read that right—running! That incident marked the start of Ale's love affair with running, a passion that would later define his life.
Fast forward 13 years, and Ale's commitment to running has only deepened. His love for it is not just about fitness; it's about happiness, the joy that courses through him as he conquers mile after mile. I must admit, I didn't quite grasp this obsession initially, but love has a funny way of transforming perceptions.
When I was pregnant with our son Leo, I managed to convince Ale to run the New Haven half marathon. The deal was that I would run my first half marathon soon after. Little did I know that this friendly agreement would set the stage for Ale's ambitious marathon goal.
The past six months have been a whirlwind of intense training sessions, grueling three-hour workouts in challenging weather conditions, and a steadfast commitment to his goal despite the inevitable challenges life throws our way. Ale had to adjust his diet, manage work-life dynamics, and stay focused on the finish line.
This marathon journey wasn't a solitary pursuit. It was a family affair. On that rainy Sunday (the only sunny moment was when we took the picture), Leo, Lily, and I ran alongside Ale, cheering him on every step of the way. As we approached the finish line, the overwhelming sense of accomplishment enveloped us. Leo, with unbridled enthusiasm, echoed our sentiments for hours, proclaiming it as "the best thing ever."
"Daddy, good job! We love you!"
Beyond Ale's personal triumph, this journey underscores the importance of family collaboration in achieving ambitious goals. We became Ale's biggest cheerleaders, attending races, driving him to training sessions, and even joining him at events despite our own reservations about running.
In the end, Ale's marathon victory is not just about a race completed; it's about the resilience of love and the strength that a united family can provide. His achievement symbolizes the power of support, the joy of shared victories, and the enduring spirit of a family that runs together, stays together.
Cheers to Ale, the marathon conqueror, and to the countless miles of love that brought us to this incredible moment. We couldn't be prouder! 🏅🎉
