I had a wonderful past 12 hrs. It started at 8pm on Friday night when our family participated in a "Light Up The Night" 5k fundraiser event. It was held in honor of the victims of the Boston marathon bombing. My neighbor and friend participated in the marathon and had just finished it about 10-15 mins before the first bomb went off. She and her family were about 2 blocks away when the chaos ensued.
She organized the event and 100% of the proceeds went to the Boston victims. Before the race start our scout troop posted the colors and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After we sang the National Anthem. Following that, bagpipes played in honor of the victims and we had a moment of silence. I think almost everyone had tears in their eyes. If they didn't then they sure did when the runners that were there from the Boston Marathon took front and center. A huge eruption of applause and cheers went up from the crowd. What amazing examples and athletes these runners are.
At the start of the race Tyler and Mackenzie took off together to run it. I was pushing Sawyer in the stroller and Dawson was with me. Xander took off on his bike with my friend Tara's daughter Kaydee. Yes, bikes were allowed and Xander had to ride not run. Soon Dawson asked if he could run too. He took off with Tara's daughter Erynn. That left me and Tara together with Sawyer and a stroller. We decided to walk and not push it too much. I had another 5k coming up in the morning.
Ty, Kenz, and Dawson ran alot of the way and walked some. I guess Dawson was pretty worn out by the end and Tyler had to really push him along. But he and all of us made it.
My little running family after the race.
Now onto Saturday morning.
My workout group at the gym decided we were going to participate in the Thanksgiving Point 5k. It started at 8am. That where 12 hrs comes into play!
I got up at 5:30 to get ready. OK. more like 5:45 to head over to Thanksgiving Point to pick up my runners packet. I had to go that morning cause it was closed when I headed over there after the "Light up the Night" run. I had to get there early cause the line could get long. Luckily for me once the 1/2 marathoners left it was empty. So I got my packet and waited for the rest of my team to arrive.
The weather was beautiful for the run. Not too hot or breezy.
I started out with my team, but one the race started I went out on my own. We all run or walk at different paces so I went at my own. I had my headphones in and away I went for the next 3.2 miles.
My all time favorite thing about being a part of something like a race whether it's a 1 mile, 5k, 1/2 or full marathon is the finish line. Not just because you're finally done, but because no matter who you are, you are somebody important. You finish strong as spectators, friends, family, and other runners cheer you on. It's such a rush you get as hear the cheers of encouragement and support as you cross the finish line. Ahhhh the feeling of knowing you're part of a running family.
It was a great race and tons of fun. Now onto my next ones. Ty and I are doing one in June and July together. I might be doing another 5k in May with Mackenzie. It's a "Pink" run in honor of breast cancer. Kenz really want to do one with me. I guess a family that runs together, stays together.
These feet are ready to run.
(Mine are the pink laces)
Me and 1/2 my team ready to go.
My shirt was huge on me.
It was longer than some girl's dresses.
