2 years ago my dad and I ran a race called the City to City which was a 9.2 mile relay from Jackson, MO to Cape Girardeau, MO. We had so much fun...but I'll get to that in my next post. Anyway, they decided to bring it back this year, and it happened to fall the day after another 5k that we have been doing - The Filter's Fund 5k.
Major Garrett Knowlan's call sign was Filter. He lost his life in a water survival training accident on 10/11/2012. Garrett was 32 years old. He left a loving family and many friends behind that day. He was a strong Christian who loved the Lord. He showed Jesus's love toward others and helped others while he was here. We plan to carry on that legacy by helping those in need, in Garrett's name. We will all be together again, 'in a minute'. Every year his family raises money to go to a great cause by hosting a 5k (either virtually or in person) in Jackson, MO on a course he used to run for soccer practice.
Previously my dad and I ran this virtually but this year we were lucky enough to be there! It started at 9 (which was nice) so we weren't in a rush to get up, and the weather was beautiful and the sun was out at that point. So many families showed up it was amazing to see the support for the family, and get a chance to meet the family - especially with my guy being in the military.
Knowing we had a much longer race the next morning my dad and I decided to try and take it easy but you know us...we get that adrenaline and just can't. We started off towards the park in a downhill pretty fast, running 7:30/7:45 min miles. I told him we had to slow down since we had a race on Sunday as well. We did (slightly). At the turnaround we were feeling good and still running together. On our way back out of the park there were a few hills, one of which was a long sweeping uphill towards the finish. I had a previous groin pull and it started to bother me and I lost my breath a bit going up the hill and had to stop for a second to walk and told my dad to go ahead. I kept him in my sight and finished about 15 seconds behind him, and to my surprise first in my division! I graciously accepted a Panera gift card and watched more racers finish. We said our goodbyes to the family and headed back home to get ready for the rest of the day.
I was talking to one of the family members and they know it's a hard end to the course, but can't bring themselves to change it since it was what Garrett ran in school, and I love that, it's just another nod to him. This year 320 participated all over the world (including many of Garrett's fellow servicemen and their families). I was happy to be able to share this one in person this year, and will definitely continue to do so.
Not to mention, we do get a shirt every year, and they have a great logo, and always comfy shirts.
Again, I am proud to say I was a part of this, the family and friends are doing the most amazing things.
Peace, Love and Running 🏃
#seejessrun #runtheyear2017 #runningwithoutlimits
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