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Today by far has been Donovan's most challenging race yet!!! Donovan competed in the Go! St. Louis Halloween Half Marathon. He was accompanied by his other two racing buddies, Jason and Christian. Donovan well over exceeded anyone's expectations!!! Can you imagine coming in 4th place with over 700 runners????? He did!!! He accepted and beat this challenge!!! Total chip time 1:17:10!!! Outstanding performance!!! We are so proud of you buddy!!!!
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After catching word of his wonderful accomplishment of the US Paralympic All American Athlete Award, Donovan's school surprised him during an assembly today!! This video brought me to tears!!! A whole school standing ovation!! And yes, Donovan does have a wig on for spirit day of Homecoming week!! :-)
Upon opening mail today after I got back from vacation, there was a large envelope. It was addressed to Donovan. Upon opening this envelope, we were immediately in tears!!!
Donovan had competed in all track events in New Jersey over the summer in July. The track events ranged from the 100m to the 5000m. At National competition, the U.S. Paralympic scouts were there observing. Apparently Donovan demonstrated some outstanding athleticism in the 5000 meter with a time of 15:35!! This time on the track earned him a great honor of being named: 2015 All American Athlete in Track & Field in the 5000 meter!!! Our church, LIFECHURCH of Waterloo, IL, holds an annual Superhero 5k to help raise funds for girls homes. These homes house girls that have been rescued from human sex trafficking. It is hard to believe that in this day and age that we still have to worry about such an awful thing, but it is still going on today. Donovan had his racing buddy, Jason, there today to race with. Sometimes he gets lonely being the only wheelchair racer in these races and he really enjoys having his friend with him! This 5k was pretty flat, minus the unevenness of the road, but overall not too shabby!!! Great time today Donovan!! We are super proud!!! Chip time 17:06.
Life Network, our local pregnancy care center, held their annual 5k in our hometown of Waterloo, IL. Unfortunately, Waterloo is full of hills and turns which make for a little difficult 5k in a chair. That being said, Donovan accepted the challenge and took charge!! He cruised the streets at a speed of 5:30 min miles for a chip time of 17:01, making him first overall by almost 2 minutes!! This boy never ceases to amaze us with every race!!! Super proud!!!
Donovan's first big race!! Holy ten miles of hills!!!! Thanks to Meghan from DASA for biking with him!! We will gladly race in the Missouri Race Series next year!! Donovan completed the 10 mile race in O'Fallon, MO. Also a big thank you to the Shriners for helping out with the race!! This race was pretty hilly and challenging for a longer distance race, however, Donovan concquered once again!!! Chip time 1:04:40!!!! Great job Donovan!!!
Today's race, a 10k (6.2 miles) has proven quite difficult. Apparently there was quite the miscommunication. It was supposed to be all paved, but Donovan ended up with about 3.5 miles on gravel. Not the small peat stuff, the 3/4 minus grade..... all in all , could have been worse. No popped tires, no road rash, and he still completed the Superhero Shuffle 10k in record time of 37:57!!!!
For anyone that has been to Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, knows it is absolutely beautiful. It's a great place for a race, except when in a wheelchair....... all of the speed bumps proved to be quite a challenge for Donovan, but one he conquered with ease!!! Apparently he became airborne a couple times according to his bike shadow, Dawn. No record set today, but a good race had by all!!! Great job on the Courthouse Run from Project XOXO!!! Chip time 18:13.
40 South News published an article with several good pics from the Milk Donor Dash in Maplewood!! Donovan made the article!! Check it out here!!! Super proud parents right here!!!
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October 2015
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