Kurtis finished his 5th Mini-Marathon, setting a PR (personal record) of 1:44.02! Great run, KB. I couldn’t believe I found him on today’s front page! I ran vicariously through him and through the strong and smooth, gazelle-like gliders who first broke the finish-line tape. I have to admit I got choked up watching…the crowd was cheering, with cow bells ringing, the cold had my leg muscles twitching. My fingers were exposed and chilled too, as I rested my camera on the metal barricade just steps away from the finish line of the 13.1 mile race. Maybe I was also sulking…cursed IT Band had me sidelined. I have always been amazed and inspired by elite athletes, and those not necessarily elite too. Just knowing what it takes to push one’s body, mind and spirit to reach unreal heights gets me all emotional! I love sport, and I love that we are built to conquer whatever we might set our minds to do. Congrats to all finishers of the Mini and to any other race you’ve won.
Here are some Mini highlights:
Packet Pick-Up. With just over 15 hours to go, Kurtis was all giddy.
Race Day!
Packed in like cattle, Kurtis makes his final headband adjustments.
My mom and Mayor Ballard prepare to start the race!
And they’re off!
I think she takes more photos than I do.
Firemen ran WITH GEAR ON! Talk about inspiring.
Here we are at the finish line…anxious spectators awaiting their runners.
First wheelchair finisher
First male finisher — his 2nd consecutive win!
First female finisher — her 4th consecutive win!
My favorite finisher! Killer calves, eh? He still hasn’t been straightforward as to whether the girl was first. They were clearly racing each other to the line. :)
Post-race we enjoyed a hamburger, chocolate chip cookie and hot chocolate with marshmallows. I figured that after 3 hours of shaking from the cold, and running inside my head, I had burned enough calories to make room for all of that at 9:30am. Ok, maybe a stretch, but it was still worth it.
Showing off his medal
In other very important news, it’s MOTHER’S DAY! Happy Mothers Day to all mothers. You are a blessing. You are an inspiration. Thank you!
This is my mom, and my best friend.
by Jennifer Bowersock
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