Time for a feel good update:
Well we did it…..Jordan and I completed our very first race
together. The Forest City Road Race 10km.
We didn’t finish in the best time I had hoped for but
considering I was sick with nasty allergies and nursing an injury to my groin
we did well. We finished with a time just under 80 minutes and that includes
stopping for a pee break and to check Jordan’s hat several times. Approx 526th out of 677 runners.
Not bad for our first attempt.
Pre race I felt great, like I had this in the bag. Mid race
photos clearly show my face as “someone kill me now” and Jordan laughed and
clapped his hands the entire 10km, post race I was so glad we completed and
really wanted a steak (still haven’t had that steak 2 days later). Jordan won
an award for being one of the fastest times in his age bracket….glad to know I
run as fast pushing a jogger as a 15yr old boy does solo haha!!
I have many emotions regarding this race. As most of you know
I made a promise when Jordan was a baby that if he ever walked I would run a
race with him. He started walking in a walker at physio, and really taking
steps not just standing there waiting for someone to push him but really
walking. Due to his illness and my lack of nerves we were unable to compete
until this year but, I decided it was time to hold up my end of the deal. So
run we did.
I never realized how much different it is pushing a 15yr old
child in a huge jogger compared to running solo. I ache in spots I didn’t know
I had. My biceps and triceps are burning still, my hips feel like I am 90yrs
old and yet I am so thankful for the experience and I am planning on training
with Jordan to do the half marathon next year.
Everything we have gone through with Jordan in 15 years has
made me a stronger woman, a better mom and a determined, stubborn runner. I had
many thoughts throughout the race, some of which were, I must be insane to do
this but most thoughts were great. I told myself when I wanted to stop at the
7km mark, we are ¾ of the way, we are not quitting now. Jordan has never had
quit in his mind and I knew I couldn’t either. He has fought so many times for
his own life, he has fought pain and agony, he has fought against all odds and
so I had to fight. I told myself…. “Come on girl we don’t quit, you will never
forgive yourself if you don’t push on”. I did stop and walk for a bit just to
clear my head and take a few deep breaths, I almost cried at a few points when
volunteers along the way were cheering us on and telling me how proud they were.
How could strangers who I never met be proud, I know they say it to all of the
runners but it really felt great to hear. One fellow runner that stayed within
20 feet in front or behind us the entire way told me she admired me for pushing
Jordan the entire race and she knew if she could keep on pace with us she would
finish too. I am glad we could help her to finish.
It has taken 2 days for the race to fully set in and my
emotions to catch up to my body. I figured writing the blog post mid day was
safer than at night perhaps after a glass of wine when the tears would flow. I
am proud of myself, I am proud of Jordan and I am so honoured that along with
generous donations Jordan and I were able to raise over $1035 for Thames Valley
Children’s Centre. I am so glad that as we crossed the finish line we saw our
family and our best friends there cheering us on. I wanted to reach out to our
other children and squeeze them but knew I would cry. I wanted to hug our
friends but also knew I would cry. So I gladly took our medals from the race
volunteers, pulled the jogger over to the side and grabbed a bottle of water
and took a deep breath. Ok maybe 100 deep breaths. I have many people to thank
for standing beside me while I did this, to inspire me to run and keep running,
for organizing this amazing event and to my fellow runners and friends that
also ran this weekend. THANK YOU.
TVCC is an amazing organization and through their assistance
Jordan has started walking in his walker. Their team of staff helps make
miracles happen. To each and every one of them, I also run for you!! To my
husband and my children, yes even the oldest who doesn’t think she is my baby
anymore. Thank you for supporting me and I also run for you. Don’t ever give
up.
“It doesn’t matter where you finish, it only matters that
you stood up and finished what you started”
