New Heights

Originally published September 10, 2018, on Jepsonfiles.com

Last Saturday, I ran my second marathon.  I established a new personal best of 4:01:28 which I feel really good about.  I was going for four hours which I just missed, but it was still about twenty five minutes faster than my first marathon.  I am happy because we pretty much only stopped at the aid stations and an occasional five-second mental break.  This is way better for me because I normally need to stop running about every ten minutes.  But, now I know that I can push through and that gives me confidence. 

From here, I just need to keep getting faster when I am running.  I am also happy because I got to spend the weekend with my dad and my brother, Ben.  Ben ran the marathon with us and killed it with a time of 2:54.  That was good enough for the win and qualifies him for Boston.  My dad also found out that there is a Boston-qualifying time for disabilities including autism of 6 hours, so I’m also a Boston Qualifier!  And my dad has qualified before too.  Now, he needs to run one by himself so he can qualify again.  Then, we’ll shoot for Boston 2020.  How cool would that be?  I am grateful to be able to run and to set ambitious goals.  I have good examples in my family to follow.  Thanks Dad and Ben for letting me be part of that world with you.  It is a lifesaver for me.

Aaron