Before the race began.
During the race, half way through, proof I wasn't last (see the blurs behind me? he he). Sorry the picture is so CRAZY. I was jogging and chewing gum (cud) and was my own photographer. lol ;)
In my car at the finish. Man it felt good to sit down!
Today I ran my very first race! ;) I have not exercised since before Evan was born and I did nothing to prepare for a 5K. I had no idea what I was getting into, where to go/check in or what to do, once I did but I made it! It was a 5K in honor of my client, Melissa Gilley's son Bruce who died suddenly 5 years ago at the age of 14. He was a faithful young man, active in his church here in town (Belle Aire Baptist). He had his whole life ahead of him including many plans (one of which was going on mission trips to help others and be an example of a Christlike person). to my understanding this is the story:
Bruce attended a K-8 in Lascassas (sp?) where his mother works in the Library.Having the choice to go to middle school but stayed to spend more time with his mom. ;). He looked forward to the transition to high school and the new things he would experience. He became interested in running cross country the summer before he started H.S. at Oakland and trained for it. In the second week of school. His mother came to pick him up as it was not ideal running weather, overcast possibly (as i understand). He said, thank you for coming but they were gonna go ahead and run anyway. Smiles on their faces, they expressed their love and gratitude for each other (nothing new) and Melissa drove away satisfied. When he finished his run and came back for the team meeting, he suddenly collapsed and could not be revived. Later reports revealed a heart condition, likely that he was born with and wasn't detected. It was very sad for their family and he had MANY close friends. Bruce was the youngest of 3 children and the only boy in a wonderful family. After much grieving, the family was able to celebrate his life and share his very impressive journal entries that were even printed to hand out and share. Melissa and her husband have risen to the occasion, speaking in public of their experiences (something she was before deathly afraid of, speaking in public) and sharing the gospel that Bruce (and they), so love. When she told me they would be organizing a 5K in his honor, there was no hesitation that I would participate, even though I don't 'run'. I want to do anything to make Melissa smile. The proceeds will benefit other youth at Belle Aire that want to go to these mission trips or retreats and cannot afford it all on their own. I hope we helped. I had a wonderful time. I was ran alone (Mike and Evan were supposed to come but the temp dipped down to 40's and breezy with rain and Mike thought it was too much for Evan.) and would have liked a companion but it was a short run and I was able to enjoy the others passing me by (I passed a few, lol). Being by myself, I was able to reflect on my friend Melissa (who shares my birthday and we love it) and what she has been through and how this day feels for she and her family. Losing Bruce is not what they would have wanted but they have made wonderful choices in their life to balance the void. I am proud of my 45.35 time as it is an effort that Bruce would be happy everyone tried. I am grateful to have been a part of the Gilley families celebration of Bruces LIFE. ;)
