Cook Your Buns Race

After P90X I decided to challenge myself once again so I decided to run a 5k. I've only been running for about 2 1/2 months.

At first it was extremely uncomfortable in my shins. I was obviously using different muscles and I could feel it. I invested in my first pair of running shoes so I knew that wasn't causing the discomfort I was feeling. Come to find out I was running incorrectly. I had to teach myself how to run correctly (heel to toe). Who knew that would be an issue! It was a bit awkward at first but it feels completely natural now. To avoid injuring myself (my shins) I would walk/run increasing my time and distance.

After 3 weeks of training 3 days a week I could run 3 miles. At times I still feel discomfort in my shins but not very often. I officially signed up to run the Cook Your Buns Race on June 11th at Tod's Point. I have been training once a week with my neighbor, trainer and friend Annie. She ran the race with me.

It was the perfect weather to race and we were ready.



Annie came in at 24 minutes, 55 seconds.



I came in at 26 minutes. A personal best!



After the race we enjoyed a barbecue, hence the name "Cook Your Buns" although it cooled down a bit so it started to "Freeze Our Buns. " It was great to have our families there to cheer us on. A big THANK YOU to our fans!!!



June 11th ended up playing a special part of why I decided to run this race. The reason: my sister was due to have a baby girl on the 11th. My sister Jana is AMAZING! She continues to face challenge after challenge and always manages to rise above them as she puts her faith and trust in the Lord. I dedicate this race to Jana and her daughter Aydrie. Hugs and Kisses! Love you Tonz!!!





This girl has run 2 marathons and is my hero in every way.



My mind was focused on these two individuals during my race. This is sweet Aydrie Openshaw who was born on June 11th, the day I raced.



I actually didn't find out she had been born until after my race. This sweet spirit is missing part of her arm and will indeed face many challenges but she is blessed with an incredible family who will completely support her on her journey through life's ups and downs. I can't wait to meet her!

I love the poem THE RACE:

They all lined up so full of hope
Each thought to win that race,
Or tie for first, or if not that,
At least take second place.

And father's watched from off the side
Each cheering for his son.
And each boy hoped to show his dad
That he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went
Young hearts and hopes afire,
To win, to be the hero there
Was each young boys desire.

And one boy in particular
Whose dad was in the crowd
was running near the lead, and thought
My dad will be so proud.

But as they speeded down the field
Across a shallow dip
The little boy who thought to win
Lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself
His hands fell out to brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd,
He fell flat on his face.

So down he fell, and with him hope
He couldn't win it now
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished
To disappear somehow.

But, as he fell his dad stood up
And showed his anxious face,
Which to the boy so clearly said
Get up and win that race.

He quickly rose, no damage done,
Behind a bit, That's all
And ran with all his mind and might
To make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself
To catch up and to win
His mind went faster than his legs,
He slipped and fell again!

He wished, then, he had quit before
With only one disgrace.
I'm hopeless as a runner now
Shouldn't try to race.

But in the laughing crowd he searched
And found his fathers face,
That steady look that said again
Get up and win that race.

So he jumped up to try again
Ten yards behind the last
If I'm to gain those yards he thought
I've go to move real fast.

Exceeding everything he had
He regained eight or ten,
But trying hard to catch the lead,
He slipped and fell again!

Defeat! He lay there silently
And a tear dropped from his eye
There's no sense running anymore,
Three strikes, I'm out, why try?

The will to rise had disappeared
All hope had fled away
So far behind, so error prone
Closer all the way.

I've lost so what's the use. He thought.
I'll live with my disgrace,
But then he thought about his dad,
Who soon he'd have to face.

Get up! and echo sounded low,
Get up, and take your place
You were not meant for failure here
Get up, and win the race.

With borrowed will get up it said,
You haven't lost at all,
For, winnings no more than this,
To rise each time you fall.

So up he rose to run once more
And with a new commit
He resolved that win or lose,
At least he wouldn't quit.

So far behind the others now
The most he'd ever been
Still he gave it all he had,
And ran as though to win.

Three times he'd fallen stumbling
Three times he'd rose again
Too far behind to hope to win
He still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner,
As he crossed the line first place,
Head high, and proud, and happy,
No falling, no disgrace.

But, when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line last place,
The crowd gave him the greater cheer
For finishing the race.

And even though he came in last,
With head bowed low, unproud,
You would have thought he won the race
to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad, he sadly said,
I didn't do so well,
To me, you won, his father said.
You rose each time you fell.

And now, when things seem dark at hand.
And difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy
Helps me in my race.

For all of life is like that race
With ups and down and all,
And all you have to do to win,
Is rise each time you fall.

Quit Give up! You're beaten
They still shout in my face
But, another voice within me says
Get up and win the race!

Life is like a race.There will always be some steep hills. It's up to you whether or not you choose to climb them. Hopefully we all continue to press forward and make it to the finish line.