That's me in the parking lot ready to go home after the 5k -- notice my "halo" -- it's the Finish Line in the background. The race was well organized and plenty of people were there to support a good cause. There were lots of goodies in the race bags as well as at the finish line. There was music blaring to get you pumped up and ready to run and they even did chip timing! The first part of the course was along the road and had two out and back loops, then the course wound around and through all the gardens before finishing in the parking lot. The gardens had lots of green grass and flowers, but I didn't notice them too much since the path was kind of crowded with runners and I was trying not to trip over people. The race started at 8:00 a.m., but it was already quite warm -- a very summer-like day. My goals for the race were simply to finish and run the entire course. I dedicated the first mile to Jordan. The first mile was easy and went by quickly. As I noticed the 1 mile marker, I shed a few tears for Jordan -- wow, it's been 12 years. Mile two went relatively quickly, but this mile had some uphill in it. Mile two was dedicated to Cole and again I shed a few tears -- it's been 6 years. Mile 3 was my mile. This mile was the hardest because it was last AND because the very end had some short steep hills. I'm used to running one long gradual hill in the middle of a run, rather than short steep at the end! I must admit that there was one point in this mile when I thought I might puke, so I slowed a bit and kept going. Running is 80% mental (at least) and I kept telling myself that I couldn't walk because I would be disappointed in myself because I know I can run 3 miles, and besides, this mile was my mile to show that I have kept going and survived a couple of very difficult times in my life. I sprinted the last 20 yards to the finish line. Wahoo! My chip time was 31:48 -- I was way excited about that!! Here is a picture of me showing off my Angel babies t-shirt. I am pointing to Jordan and Coles names.
Heidi is the Mom behind the
Angel Babies website and the designer of the t-shirt. There were a group of about 8 of us wearing these t-shirts on race day. Heidi's website tells her story of her daughter, Elizabeth, and provides links and information about infant loss. She has written a pamphlet that is available to anyone -- it's very good. She is a parent as well as an RN. Check out her website, and if you know anyone that could benefit from this information, please pass it on.
That's me in the parking lot ready to go home after the 5k -- notice my "halo" -- it's the Finish Line in the background. The race was well organized and plenty of people were there to support a good cause. There were lots of goodies in the race bags as well as at the finish line. There was music blaring to get you pumped up and ready to run and they even did chip timing! The first part of the course was along the road and had two out and back loops, then the course wound around and through all the gardens before finishing in the parking lot. The gardens had lots of green grass and flowers, but I didn't notice them too much since the path was kind of crowded with runners and I was trying not to trip over people. The race started at 8:00 a.m., but it was already quite warm -- a very summer-like day. My goals for the race were simply to finish and run the entire course. I dedicated the first mile to Jordan. The first mile was easy and went by quickly. As I noticed the 1 mile marker, I shed a few tears for Jordan -- wow, it's been 12 years. Mile two went relatively quickly, but this mile had some uphill in it. Mile two was dedicated to Cole and again I shed a few tears -- it's been 6 years. Mile 3 was my mile. This mile was the hardest because it was last AND because the very end had some short steep hills. I'm used to running one long gradual hill in the middle of a run, rather than short steep at the end! I must admit that there was one point in this mile when I thought I might puke, so I slowed a bit and kept going. Running is 80% mental (at least) and I kept telling myself that I couldn't walk because I would be disappointed in myself because I know I can run 3 miles, and besides, this mile was my mile to show that I have kept going and survived a couple of very difficult times in my life. I sprinted the last 20 yards to the finish line. Wahoo! My chip time was 31:48 -- I was way excited about that!! Here is a picture of me showing off my Angel babies t-shirt. I am pointing to Jordan and Coles names. 
Heidi is the Mom behind the Angel Babies website and the designer of the t-shirt. There were a group of about 8 of us wearing these t-shirts on race day. Heidi's website tells her story of her daughter, Elizabeth, and provides links and information about infant loss. She has written a pamphlet that is available to anyone -- it's very good. She is a parent as well as an RN. Check out her website, and if you know anyone that could benefit from this information, please pass it on.
8 comments:
That's a super duper chip time! Way to go! I like the halo picture : ). I also think it's neat how you broke the race down into a mile for each of you. I just kept chugging along, envisioning this little 2 1/2 year old tagging along at my heels. Your boys would be big enough to actually run it with you. I really like the cover illustration of Pamela's book - it's the mental image that keeps me going.
PS - you need to take some credit for the writing of the pamphlet. You were one of my most important editors!
Way to go Shara! That is really cool-
Nicola
I 100% admire you, Shara. Great job not only on the run but in life. You're so strong. Thanks for sharing such a special thing with those of us who whine over much smaller trials (me) and for being an inspiration to all.
Wow! That's about all I can say...many blessings Shara and an extra hug for ALL of your boys! Love you!
WAHOOO!!!!! That is so awesome and inspiring to me. Congratulations!
Way to go, Shara! I can't even run to the end of my street without stopping! People can do amazing things for a special cause, or two! Kim
Thanks to everyone for your comments and encouragement!!
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