Sierra's Race Against Meningitis

I'm not sure I ever really set a goal of doing a 5k, a 10k, a marathon or a marathon and a half but here I am smack dab in the middle of it all! Back in March, my friend Tricia and I decided to commit to walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Breckenridge in June...of this year! So, needless to say, I am finding myself doing things that I typically wouldn't. However, as with most challenges, comes endless opportunities. I have met some great new people, pushed myself harder than I typically would and by the end of June, I will be taking more steps in a weekend than I ever thought possible.
My 1st EVER 5k was this weekend and to say that it was an emotional experience is an understatement. The race was started by a Loveland family who lost their 20-something daughter to meningitis about three years ago. Packets and race gear were available at their home the night before and after picking up my stuff, I left there in tears. Wow! Would I ever be so strong as to take such devastation and turn it around into a huge community event that raises not only money but awareness? How does a family lose a child and even continue to move forward in life? I have no idea what the answers are to these questions but those are the feelings I walked away with after meeting this amazing but normal family.
Below are a few pictures of the big day!(yes, it was chilly and windy) Some of the highlights were walking with gals from my Avon group, seeing some friends from church, actually running some of the race, finishing and then watching Ryan participate in the kids race! What an amazing, fun, educational and emotional weekend! (By the way...research meningitis and do what you can to spread the word! There is a vaccine!!!)