Group shot before the race(David, Linda, Joseph, Dean, Lori, Tami, Gina, Sherri, Angela, Janette, Amanda)
We met up that morning at 7:30 to drive over to the race. I'm pretty sure everyone could have used a little more sleep, but I think most of us have gotten used to going on a few hours. Kristie & Tom got into town late Friday night, so we ended up staying up until 2am talking. My two sisters and I haven't been together for over a year, so we weren't that anxious to go to bed right away. I was feeling it a little when I got up at 6:40.
Jeff, Mom, the boys, and I rode over together in our 3-car caravan. Jeff was a good sport and got the kids dressed after we arrived at the race location since we'd taken them in their pajamas. He also acted as our race photographer. (Unfortunately he didn't realize that the camera was in the wrong setting, so all the pictures we took have an unnaturally blue tint to them, and I don't have Photoshop here to fix them :)
I think the biggest trick was trying to maneuver though the massive crowd. There were over 15,000 running the 5K and that didn't even include all the spectators. I wasn't even planning on seeing any of our family supporters during the race, but it was fun to know that they were there. They included Dad, Tom, Kristie, Lacey, Cole, Jeff & the boys, along with most of the spouses, and kids of the Stevens girls running the race.
The actual race was a lot of fun. (even if I do think the course was a bit short) It was the perfect day, warm and sunny, but not too hot. The biggest obstacle was just trying to get around that many people. Mom and I were able to get somewhat close to the starting line, but even still, you had to dodge countless walkers and strollers. I think the most frustrating part was when a cop stopped a small group of us at an intersection at mile 2 so that a firetruck could drive though, that took up a good amount of time. I ended up finishing the 5K in 22:45.
Kristie, Tom, Lacey, and Cole were there at the end and it was fun to see them cheering us on. One of my favorite parts was watching my mom cross the finish line. She's been running to get ready, but she hasn't ever run that far at one time. It was so awesome to see her coming down to the finish line with a big smile on her face. Then they gave her a flower, and a special 'Survivor's" medal, and announced that Sherri, a survivor, finished the race. She was so proud, and it was a special moment to be there with her in her awesome accomplishment. We were so proud of her! It was fun to find everyone after the race. Jacob and Caleb had some cute little wild flowers that they had picked for me, and they were so excited about the race.
I'm grateful that we had this opportunity, especially since it gave us a chance to celebrate Grandma and Mom's victory over breast cancer.
6 comments:
maybe its my pregnancy hormones! lol but this made me wanna cry! . your mom is such a trooper. we sure do love her..
FUN! What a cool thing to do with your family!
That's awesome you guys did that race! I got a little teary eyed reading this post. You're mom's the woman!!
You are amazing. I can't imagine the pain of seeing someone you love battle such a scary thing. I am so glad she won her race and I hope that your foot steps help them find the cure.
P.S. - 5K is NOT short. Sorry, but that is a fact missy.
I'm so glad your mom is better! You know, over these past months during her battle she has looked amazing! You wouldn't know to look at her that she was going through that. And she ALWAYS had a smile on her face. She is truly an inspiration. You are very blessed to have a mom like her - as I'm sure you know! :) When are leaving Boise? I am in primary so I don't get to RS....I'll try to stop by the RS room after church this next Sunday so we can chat for a bit!
That is so very cool. That is so inspiring. It makes me want to get out there and run for a cure too!
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