Raleigh's Finest 5K Recap

For the past 12-weeks, I have been training a group (alongside my friends Jon, Ken, Bryan and Matt) for a 5K. Those participating in the training range from first time runners/walkers to the experienced runner. It has been a blessing to train alongside each and every one of them.

The race we have been training for was the Raleigh's Finest 5K, which is a race to honor fallen firefighters. So inspiring to see all if the first responders who came out to support this event.

Temps in NC were extremely warm leading up to the race and race day was no different. Highs were projected to be above 100, but at race time it was in the mid-80's. Still not ideal running conditions.

Everyone from The Second Wind arrived early and we met in front of Raleigh Fire Station 6. We gathered for a group photo in from if the ladder truck. All of us then made our way tithe starting area as before the 5K there was a 1-mile kids fun run. My 3-year old daughter ran as well as my friend Jon's son Ryan. The kids were so excited for the run. In all, probably 15 kids ran. It was so much fun running with my 3-year old. She wanted to hold my hand for most of the race. As we were coming to the finish line I told my daughter to go ahead and run to the timing mats on the ground. She took off....but as everyone started cheering louder and louder for her she got scared and stopped. I had to run with her to finish. So proud of her for running a mile.

Next up was the 5K. In total, we had 24 people running for The Second Wind. Several of them were running their first 5K. The course was an out and back route on Oberlin Road. The race started at Raleigh Fire Station 6 and went to Raleigh Fire Station 5 where the turnaround was located at the halfway point. I ran the first 1.6 miles with Jon trying to help pace him for a PR in the 5K. On our way back, I saw my wife walking by herself. I asked Jon if he was alright if I turned to walk with her so she would not be alone. He said yes, so I turned to be with her. Then as we came by my 8-year old who was ahead, my wife told me to go with her. So I turned and finished the race with my 8-year old. Because of all the turning back and forth, I ended up covering just shy of 4 miles, instead of the 3.1 miles. When I look at the results I laugh as I finished last in my age group. That does not matter as I got to experience the time with family throughout the race.

Overall this was a great event. Congratulations to all finishers and especially to The Second Wind team members. You worked hard preparing for the race and God was truly glorified this day.