A picture worth a thousand cheers

YaYa and I had an exciting weekend that was rich in all-things-football. YaYa had another football practice in addition to his weekend game and, in between the two, his whole football team (parents in tow) enjoyed the Stanford vs. SJSU game. Although the team that YaYa and I were cheering for lost, a good time was had by all.

Let me point out that YaYa really knows how to show his support. If you knew someone THIS enthusiastic about cheering, you’d do your best to include them on your cheering squad too. Not only does he have a knack for projecting his voice, he is also just so darn cute.

I am very excited to know that YaYa WILL be with me during all the Nike Marathon and Team in Training (TNT) events. He has been on the sidelines for so many of my marathons. Come to think of it, he’s also been on the sidelines for marathons that I wasn’t running in — giving high fives, and encouragement to everyone who passed by us.

I know that both YaYa and I will gain a lot from our next marathon experience given my participation with TNT. I don’t think I even know how big the pasta feed and celebration dinner will be, but I am looking forward to hearing the stories from the many honorees that will be speaking. As exciting as that is, I have to admit that I am MOST enthusiastic in knowing that my YaYa will be on the race course cheering for me, 21st Century Mom, Wendy, and the rest of my team. Race day is coming quickly. I have one more LONG run to complete this weekend and then it’s taper-time.

As for his football, all of YaYa’s coaches were very understanding and supportive of my decision after I cleared up the communication. I can’t blame them for asking if he could stay with another family to attend the game. He is doing very well as offensive lineman and it is obvious that they value his contribution to the team. I’ve got to love that.

After the team lost the football game on Sunday, I stood in admiration for the head coach as he delivered a positive post-game speech. Although it was noted that there were many objectional calls made by the referees, he told the boys that it may not have been a bad thing that they lost the game. He stated that he was not mad at any of the players for the loss, but that he was mad at himself for not preparing them enough. He emphasized to the players that they should NOT miss any practices in this coming week. They will be going back to basics and he will be remedying his error.

Unlike the coaches that I previously observed while working the chain gang, YaYa’s coach could have yelled, and kicked, and screamed. He did not. No matter how you look at it, the way he handled this loss was admirable. I have to say that as much as this whole football thing has been very time consuming, everyone involved in the organization has been very upbeat and positive. I cannot complain about a little lost sleep and having to juggle my training runs. Let’s not forget that I’ll have my boy with ME on marathon weekend. Woo hoo!

I’m even getting excited about my upcoming 20-miler. “Go Mom; you’re almost there!”