Walk this Way

How is it that watching someone run can make you feel inspired? Growing up in a household with a father who is an avid runner, I have cheered on my dad through many marathons and always come out with the same feeling--inspired. It was no different on Saturday morning as Vickie, Stacey, Kelsey and I ventured out to take part in the first annual From the Heart 5k walk/run and 1/2 marathon. I will get it out there right away that I could only do the 5k walk part. There was no running by this girl. Although I have gone through my moments where I enjoy running, this was not one of those times. It was a beautiful spring morning and I could not have asked for better weather or company. The walk was held in honor of a local woman who recently passed away from breast cancer. Her cancer progressed quickly and she lost her battle after just one year. All the proceeds from the walk/run were given to the family to help with medical bills. What they had started off thinking would be a small event turned out to host over 600 participants. As we walked to the start line that morning, I had tears in my eyes many times. What a great feeling to be involved in such a wonderful activity. Plus, the idea of helping a family who has been stricken with cancer is near and dear to my heart. Matt's baseball team helped get everything set up, as well as cheer on the runners as they finished the 1/2 marathon. It was very special since the son of the Hilstad family is on Matt's baseball team. It was touching to see all the players there supporting their friend. Plus, later that day, the team wore pink socks in support of breast cancer awareness. It was an inspring moment that makes me want to run the 1/2 marathon next year. (I better start training now!)I have to mention that Kelsey of course was an angel the entire walk. I dolled her up in pink and she slept the whole time. She woke up at the very end, just in time to see her Daddy and give him a big smile. Way to go Owatonna for supporting such a great cause!

Coach Skala with his players behind him.

The crowd

Mama and Kelsey walking for a cause

The Skala Family supporting the From the Heart walk/run

The ladies ready for their walk