Race 6 complete

This weekend was the Alive & Running race in Dunkerton that my family does in memory of Kirk.  We were scared that we were going to get rained out but the heavens were on our side and it was a beautiful day for a race.  Friday night was the lantern ceremony which is such an emotional time.  It's wonderful to spend the night with my family but so hard to try to find the words to fit on a lantern and send up to the sky. My parents made it down with all of us for the lantern ceremony but weren't able to stay for the race on Saturday.

Saturday we had a good group racing. Uncle Mark, Marilyn, Lars, Rachael, Paige, Uncle Mike and myself. It was really nice to be able to walk alongside Paige and talk about losing Kirk.  We've never had the time to sit down and do that in four years.  Not really talk about it like we did on Saturday. It was a nice way to help the healing.  I couldn't think of a better group to do it with. Hopefully next year we can get even more family out there with us to celebrate Kirk's life again.

Shout out

To Scott, AKA "Boss".  Thank you for your unconditional support and understanding.  For being a rock in my life the last few years.  For always knowing what to say.  For always taking the time to make me feel special.  I cannot imagine a better trainer in the world that I could be so blessed to have.  Thank you for making me laugh today when I wanted to cry.  You're the best.

Race 6 coming up

This weekend is race 6 out of 13 for me.  It's always a bitter sweet one.  My family is doing the Dunkerton "Alive and Running" suicide race in honor of my cousin Kirk.  It's wonderful to spend time with my siblings and Uncle Mark.  It's great to participate in the lantern ceremony at dusk the night before and think of the loved ones we have lost. But it's hard to go through all the emotions of his suicide all over again each year.  Not that it's not on our mind all the time, but this is such a powerful weekend everything just comes flooding back.  This isn't a race for time or to set records.  It's a race to finish, bond with those around you and find strength to keep fighting for the memories of the loved ones that are gone.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can have a beautiful weekend together.

Spring Warrior is done. I'm down to training with Scott and Molly once a month.  It's safe to say that things feel a little out of wack as summer approaches.  Busy schedules, get togethers and weekends away from home always throw a wrench in my good eating.  I need to find a way to defeat those things and focus on me.  Wish me luck!