Dwier Brown (John Kinsella): Is this heaven?
Kevin Costner (Ray): It's Iowa.
Dwier Brown (John): Iowa? I could have sworn this was heaven.
Kevin Costner (Ray): Is there a heaven?
Dwier Brown (John): Oh yeah. It's the place where dreams come true.
(Ray looks around, seeing his wife playing with their daughter on the porch.)
Kevin Costner (Ray): Maybe this is heaven.
For Ali Sarreshteh, just an airplane ride and 26.2 miles are left in this journey of which many runners dream. Five years and over a dozen marathons and pairs of shoes ago, Ali toed the starting line of the Chicago Marathon. Finishing in just over five hours, he once said that crossing his very first finish line was such an unforgettable experience. I don’t know if he had qualifying for the Boston Marathon as his goal five years ago, but on Monday, April 16th at 10:30 a.m. (EST), he will be one of just 22,500 runners to participate in this legendary footrace for 2007.
Boston may be a long way from Iowa – but for those who dream of completing one of the most historic marathons, it takes guts, determination, persistence, and a lot of miles on your shoes to qualify for what has been called by some the ultimate running experience.
Congratulations and Good Luck, Ali! “If you believe in the impossible, the incredible will come true.” And when you cross that finish line – you’ll have lots of fellow HalfWits back here in Illinois celebrating your accomplishment with you.
For more information on the Boston Marathon, including its rich history and stringent qualifying standards, see their website.
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12 comments:
Good Luck Ali!!!
You will do awesome!!!
OMG Mary! What an awesome tribute to Ali! Who'd have known that he did his first marathon in 5 hours!!! Are you sure we're talking about the same "Prince" ALI?!?!?!
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Ali, you are such an incredible runner and great friend. I am so proud of you and SO excited that after missing Boston by only a few seconds the other time, that you are going now! I will never forgot the excitement I could hear from your email when you received notice you were going to Boston!!! We all know you will do awesome. I can't WAIT to hear from you when you get back!
Take Care and Love ya Always!!!!
Ali, (this is Jenni G, blogger acting up)
I got goosebumps reading this post. I'm so excited for you! I just want you to know that you have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to me. I will never forget all the encouragement and support you gave me and the rest of our group last year in the Army. Those Lincoln Park hill drills were brutal in the hot, hot sun. But there you were, running right along with us all, shouting words of encouragement, motivating us to keep going when we all wanted to quit! You are a great leader, and I am grateful for that time you dedicated to getting us ready to run Abe's last year. This time, it's my turn to cheer for you, sweetie! Know that I will be shouting for you on race day! Good luck, and come back to us with the glory of success shining all over ya!! Whoo-hoo!!
This is my dad and I couldn't be any more proud of him. I cried when I read this article. I know he will do great, he earned this. Running is more than a sport to him, it is a serious part of his life that gives him so much back. I hope someday I can do something as amazing as this. My dad is my hero...love you dad!!!!
This is Ali - So many positive comments, I don't know what to say - thanks to all who wrote.
My little girl, wow! You blew me away. I love you baby, go Mizzou!
OKAY!!! NOW I"M CRYING!!!!
-Emily K
Obviously we all wish we could be in Boston physically to cheer you on, Ali. Just know that we're all with you in spirit. No Half Wit EVER runs alone!
We'll be cheering for you and we will expect a full report when you get back.
KEEP IT STRONG, Ali!
Your legs will carry you through the miles but your heart will take you across the finish line! Enjoy the run--you worked hard for this success!
Linda J.
WOW! From 5 hrs to qualifying for Boston in just a few years??!!!
What a tremendous accomplishment!!
You are an inspiration to us all!!
GOOD LUCK Monday!
- Kari F.
Good Luck Ali, I know you will do great!! Take lots of pictures to share with us when you get back.
Kim N.
Ali, I will always remember the medal and shirt you gave to Tami in 2003 when you ran Chicago. It meant so much when you said you had run it for her. Now run this one for you.
Linda
Good luck, Ali, you are an inspiration to all of us!
Anne
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