Addie's Run

Addie won a free entry for a 4 miler race in Stowe. If it were not for that prize, she may not have even known about that race. She asked if I would go with her on that day. It meant leaving around 7:15 AM on a Sunday morning to be there on time to sign in and pick up the bib. I agreed.

Little did we know it would be a cold, windy day for October and with snow flurries! Not used to running in the cold weather, she had some reservations about the run. She signed in and picked up bib number 1101. We walked across the field to a coffee shop where we warmed up before all the runners would gather at 9:30 AM at the Start. I learned that there were 1600 participants AND a waiting list for this race.

And they were off! I stayed in one of the warming tents together with other family members and friends of the runners. Everyone was so friendly and happy to be there. After thirty minutes, or so, I walked up to the Finish to watch Addie come in. Somehow, I missed her! She later found me, still waiting for her. She was all smiles.

She reports that the route was very scenic, mostly flat with one minor incline. Part of it was along the Stowe bike path.

I couldn't help but catch some of her enthusiasm, and all the positive vibes of the crowd around us. I missed being able to run. I could do this!

A few weeks ago I developed a knee injury. It's not healing as fast as I would like, even though I am going to PT and doing the recommended exercises. I've been discouraged about it. Being at the run today inspired me once again to do whatever I can to get back on track. I feel a little more hopeful that if I really focus on recovery, eventually I'll be able to run again. 

My new goal is to do the 4 miler next year. (You heard it here.)

Congrats to Addie for a great run. And thanks for being an inspiration to me. Next year, God willing, we'll do this together.