July 4 5K

Happy July 4th to everyone. Nine years ago, today I was beginning a journey I would never have chosen but now would never change. today is Brendon's 9th birthday. We celebrated by doing our first 5K race. The weather was humid but cool and cloudy, with a light drizzle at the start that ended shortly after we crossed the start line. Andrew, Ryan and I started out pushing Brendon. The course was hilly but not steep. It was a little crowded at the start, even though we were at the end of the pack. Negotiating and trying not to run anyone over with the stroller was a challenge and Ryan and I were trying to figure out how to run together with Brendon. My goal was to get to two miles and have Ryan take over toward the finish. I made it... almost. Heading up a hill around mile two, I was feeling tired. I wasn't getting into a smooth rhythm. My breathing was heavy, I ws sweating and was worried about running someone over. I noticed I was going to have to be patient. We would get behind a person or group of people and couldn't just whip around them. So we followed, watched and waited for an opportunity to pass. Another opportunity to practice patience. I was prepared for this to happen but it didn't make things easier. I think the mental energy was making me physically tired. I've never been very good at patience. So right before mile two I ad Ryan take over with little effort he pushed Brendon. I struggled to keep up. Ryan and Brendon were ready to take off. Mom was hanging back, saying,"slow down!" "Come on mom, let's go, mom's slow, are you ready mom?" These were the questions fired off from Brendon and Ryan. But they were smiling , enjoying the energy of youth and making fun with their old mom.

The finish line was quickly approaching. "Are you ready mom...ok, let's go", and away we went. "I am focusing my eyes on the prize that is set before me." was the only thing I could think of. At the finish the cameras awaited as Fox 17 news was doing a story on us. All I could think of was, "I can't pass out here with the cameras rolling, gotta make it look good, don't make such a scrunchy pained face for the camera!" And across we ran in 29:24. YEA!

Relief and gratitude and a sense of accomplishment, under 30 minutes, pushing a stroller, I was surprised at my own ability. I couldn't have done it without the encouragement of my boys. I was so grateful to Ryan, he slowed down to allow us all to finish, he could have zoomed past me! I'm proud of Andrew who finished a little behind us. We are now a running family. Hot, sweaty, but newly energized, we met Scott Couch with Fox 17 for our interview. I was able to be somewhat articulate though I can only imagine what I looked like! I probably should have hid behind the stroller. We'll see, the interview airs tonight on Fox 17 news at 9:00.

Blessings, and thanks for being a part of our story.