I didn't run alone

Today I participated in my very first 5k race. It was Dayton's Dash, a race put together by Spencer Zimmerman for his Eagle Project. All proceeds went to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Below is the link to Dayton and Spencer's beautiful story.

Dayton's Legs

(watch with a box of tissues.)

My running buddy had a sick little girl, so I was on my own. I felt so dumb standing around. I didn't really know anybody, not even the people who sponsored the race Ok I did know one person but not that well and I hadn't seen her in years so I didn't talk to her. I was by myself, and I had never run a race like this before.

Fortunately I brought my earphones.

I turned on Pandora a runner's best friend

And my cardio trainer app so I could get my time

And I was off.

I'm not a fast runner. I was getting passed my people pushing strollers. Dayton and Spencer, of course, left everyone in the dust. 

But still I ran. 

And as I ran, right in my path, I spotted

a ladybug.

And I knew then that even though I was by myself, I wasn't alone. I couldn't help the tears from falling as I continued on.

Never stopping.

It was hard. It was hot. But she was with me.

A 5k is a minimal distance if you compare it to a 10k, half or full marathon, but I got to run with my Ella by my side. And that is worth so much more to me than any ache, pain, or drop of sweat.