20 Days, 20 Pictures, 20 Stories: DAY 4

I have a wonderful mother, Carol Fuller Lenhart, that I love dearly.  I call her frequently.  Dad has even gotten to the point where if he answers the phone he just right away hands it to Mom.  I am not ashamed to say I am a “momma’s boy”!  But if I ever had the opportunity to have a Mother #2, I know exactly who it would be:  MaryNell Gunter, mother to one of my heroes, Jason Gunter, from Fort Meyers, FL.

I first met MaryNell about the middle of last year.  I was working with Jason Gunter in his preparation for the Ironman World Championship.  We picked out several races along the way, one of which was in Clearwater Beach, FL at Sand Key State Park.  MaryNell always the most positive, upbeat person in the room.  She had lots of questions, lots of comments, and a genuine concern that Jason was getting all the best training assistance possible.  I promised her we would always give Jason 110% effort!

I love today’s picture.  In the weaning hours of the race at Kona last October, things seemed very bleak to Team Gunter….but not to MaryNell.  I was not present during this picture.  Rather, I was out on the Queen K Highway, the darkest road known to mankind, I believe….looking for Jason at mile marker 24….then mile marker 23…before finally coming up on him shortly before mile marker 23.  He was the image of pure exhaustion, having a hundred mile stare in his eyes, using every ounce of muscle to inch forward along the run route.  He finally collapsed, leaving no one there questioning if this man had given it his ALL.

Back near mile marker 25 however, MaryNell Gunter, continued to hold the banner she hoped would carry Jason that last mile towards the finish line at the world’s greatest triathlon.  She, too, had that hundred mile stare, every watchful of each runner who was coming around the bend in the road.  Team Gunter never got to see Jason round that corner. 

It was a difficult night nearly a year ago.  Lots of tears.  But lots of pride in a husband, friend and son who accomplished what many perhaps thought he couldn’t do.  MaryNell remains the champion, every cheerful in the background, and one of the greatest advocates not just for Jason but for anyone who toes up to the start line.

Most of the stories you’ll read for this “20/20/20″ campaign have a definitive ending.  This one, however, remains unfinished.  Just ask MaryNell Gunter.

Thanks, Momma MaryNell!

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