Race for Grief

Back in January I decided to start training for a 10K called Race For Grief. This was the 3rd year that it took place. The woman who started it lost her baby girl after 5 hours and decided to put something together to honor her daughter. I thought it was inspiring and something positive for myself, family and friends to join together to remember Allie.

As a mother who has lost a child, one of my fears is that she will be forgotten. Very few people had the opportunity to meet her, so it saddens me thinking that because they never met her that she didn't exist. Our time with her was truly special and I wouldn't change how our time was spent with her. I know I haven't shared too many details of our time together but to me it was so special, even too sacred to share. This event was so special to me because I wanted Allie to know that I am always thinking of her and that she won't be forgotten.

I had never ran further than 4 miles, so running 6.2 miles was scary to me. I knew it was something I had to do and I did my best to train for it. Thankfully they had a 2 mile walk option for those who were unable to run 6 miles. We had so many family members as well as friends who came together to support Benton and I.

Before the race we registered and stretched a bit. We arrived an hour early and it flew by. Aimee took some pictures with her camera, so when I get a group shot I will post it because I didn't get pictures of everyone with my camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benton finished in 1:03:21.6, I finished in 1:09:26.5. Benton got 3rd place for his age group! And my goal was to finish in 70 minutes and I did by 30 seconds, yay! My running partner was my good friend, Kimberli Green. I was so glad to have someone to run with and to keep me motivated. I was for sure I would have a breakdown while running because it has happened to me many times while training but I held it together and just had a small one afterwards.

 

 

 

We had a bunch of posters made for Allie, which turned out great!

 

 

 

 

After the race we found out that both our siblings who lived out of state and their families joined us where they lived and did the 2 mile walk in honor of Allie. It was so touching to me that they even bought shirts like the rest of us. Benton and I had no idea, such a sweet surprise.

 

 

 

 

My body hurt for the next 48 hours but it was well worth it. I know it will be a tradition that Benton and I will continue to do each year. A special thank you to all my family and friends who joined us bright and early to do the race. It meant a lot to us that you made such an effort to come out and be apart of something so special to us. Love you all!

Always thinking of you Miss Allie. I know you were there watching us. Whenever I see a butterfly I think of you, so pretty, unique, free and flying with wings. Love you baby girl.
"Butterflies are kisses blown by Angels."