Two 5Ks in two weeks and WOW

I ran the City of Allen's Rudolph Run today and it was a chip timed race.  I don't normally pay the extra $5 for the chip because it was never about time for me but the chip came with the cost of registration so I used it.  I was truly amazed at my official time......33:53 minutes.  I always thought it took me closer to 40 minute to run a 5K, but 34 minutes is awesome and I'm truly amazed.  One year ago, I would have walked it...maybe, but this year, I ran it.  I feel truly blessed.

With all that being said, it was a bigger deal to me personally.  I remember I walked it 6 years ago.  I was the very last person to cross the finish line.  Others were behind me but they didn't finish.  As I crossed the finish line the mayor of my city stood up and asked everyone to applaud me.  I was so mortified, I wanted to cry.  Everyone turned to look at me all red faced, huffing and puffing to cross the line.  I should have been proud to finish, but I was embarassed to be the last person.  I remembered that day this morning as we were warming up and stretching but didn't say anything to my husband because I didn't want to sour the mood of the morning.  

After the race, as we were leaving and  walking back to my car, I see all the police cars with lights on and parks trucks dragging trailors driving slowly behind this one walker, just waiting for her to keep moving because they were picking up the cones behind her and reopening the street.  It touched my heart that she was there, all alone.  I weighed the decision to go join her because I didn't want to draw any extra attention to her, but my husband said to me "remember how crappy you felt when you crossed the line a few years ago.  They'll make a big deal about it.  You should go join her." 

Now my husband and I are rarely on the same page, so I took it as a real sign.  I dropped all my stuff right there on the curb and ran about 1/4 mile to join her.  I asked if she minded if I joined her to finish the walk in and congratulated her on making it as far as she had.  As we walked, she told me she was proud of herself for finishing because it was her first time to walk the whole thing.  I told her I was proud of her, too, and proceeded to tell her my story from 6 years ago.  I told her I ran it today in under 34 minutes.  As we crossed the line, we parted ways as everyone applauded "the last two folks to make it across the line".    

My intent was to make her feel better and proud so I hope that it was conveyed that way.  I was proud to finish with her again.  We were both winners today for sure!

What a great story!!  It brought tears to my eyes.  Thanks for sharing.  I am so proud of you!! 

Laura

Oh, thanks Laura.  That means so much coming from you.

I agree, what a wonderful story and what a wonderful thing for you to do.  I'm sure you made such a positive impact on her day that she will never forget you.

I hope so Stephanie.  She sure made an impact on me...never quit trying! 

(((((Sara)))))) first sweetie CONGRATULATIONS on running that race and in an amazing time.  You should be very proud of yourself.  You've done remarkably well in this crazy journey, kudos!  

What you did for that lady today I'm sure will NEVER be forgotten.This is what life and caring is all about; you are awesome!  Your post has touched me tremendously, tears are definitely being shed; your caring spirit is wonderful.

Hugs,

Thanks Dana.  It was truly my honor to finish with her. 

Me too! I am so proud of you Sara! You really showed the true Christmas spirit and you gave of yourself! WTG! ((HUGS)) Annette

{{HUGS}} back at you Annette. 

WOW- 34 minutes and you made that woman's day by not making her the last to finish. Way to go!