Today I had the opportunity to participate in the Big House 5k at the University of Michigan as an Ainsley’s Angel runner. I am so thankful for these opportunities where my passions of running and special education collide. Running has brought me many things in my life and this is just one more unique experience I have been blessed to enjoy. Along with that I have gained two great team mates, Andrew and Russ. You really learn what teamwork is all about when you are pushing a chariot together. Of course we started out saying, we are going to “take it easy” today, but then when we hear start, the three of us being so competitive jump quickly into race mode.
Prior to the race, we decided to take a “quick” warm up jog. Well we ran all around the Big House in awe of our upcoming opportunity to run through the tunnel. As we made our way around, we were sure that we would have time to go around and then back to the race start. As we went to make our last turn and almost to the start, we got funneled into the huge crowd of over 8500 participants making their way to the start line. We quickly realized we weren’t able to wait in the line so we decided to find another route well after a few attempts of getting out and coming to a gate, we finally found our path to freedom and back to the start line. I heard another runner joke, “the U of M penitentiary”. We were definitely safe and somewhat imprisoned, but needed a quick escape to the start line! Once out we weaved our way along a crowded road and sidewalk to the front of the line about 45 seconds to the start. Our hearts were pounding and ready to go. The crew was a bit stressed and worried we weren’t making it back, but Team Dave had it under control.
We got off to a quick start and encountered what seemed like a very long hill with Andrew seemingly effortlessly pushing as Russ and I paced along with him. Since this wasn’t our first time as “angel runners” we developed a plan ahead of time to take turns pushing with short intervals. So about every 400 meters or so we took a turn of pushing the chariot. With my size pushing the chariot is challenging. I feel like I am in running in slow motion, but I have no worries because I have the backing of my team whenever I need. We plan ahead as we round corners and Andrew or Russ take over because I don’t have the leverage to make turns. This is what teamwork is all about, supporting one another and encouraging each other.
We were easily in the lead and the streets of Ann Arbor were quite desolate this morning, we decided either everyone was running the race or the students were sleeping off hangovers from the night before after the Final Four game. Then all of a sudden we came by an area with a bunch of U of M students cheering us on. We thought that is so thoughtful of them to come out and cheer and then we heard the fire alarm. Apparently, they were woken by the alarm and had to escape. All was good and it made for a nice impromptu cheering section.
It’s funny the different mind set with running a 5k compared to the ultras I have become familiar with. Just when I think I can’t keep this pace up, I’m like only a half mile left. At this point the top male runner flew past us. We tried to hold off the top runner, but we still finished first with the chariot and in the top ten overall.
One of the best parts of the day, was meeting Dave and his family. It felt great to be able to support Dave in his first 5k event with a win! His wife shared that it was exciting to see him smiling as he crossed the finish line. She knew he loved it! I look forward to participating in more Ainsley’s Angels events with my awesome team mates, Andrew and Russ. I know I couldn’t do it without them! Also a BIG shout out to PJ the Michigan Coordinator for Ainsley’s Angels, none of this could happen without him. He spends countless hours putting these opportunities together for athletes and their families!
