Nine: Walk for Life

 

 My ninth 5K is in the books. On Saturday, May 11, 2019, I joined about ninety other walkers for the First Annual Walk for Life sponsored by the Black Hills Pregnancy Center in Rapid City. The walk began at 10:00 AM--and the rain began around 10:15. The clouds, however, were beautiful.



  Luckily I had my umbrella along, so I stayed dry...almost. Kristin called to offer a ride about halfway through, but I kept on walking until the sun came out again.

The walk was a full 5K that took me from the Old Storybook Island Picnic Shelter, past the little league baseball fields, under Jackson Boulevard, to Canyon Lake Park, and back again. Since it was the day before Mother's Day, all moms received carnations before they left. I finished walk number nine, and the 2019 Walk for Wishes will put me in the double digits.

Eight: Bottoms Up

I loved having my sister-in-law Melinda join me for my first 5K of 2019. The weather was brisk--in the 30s and breezy--for the Bottoms Up 5K in support of colon cancer research. The wind was even more noticeable on the return trip, but we persevered. After our finish, we treated ourselves to Blaze Pizza and a visit with Kristin!

 

Seven: Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation

August 25th marked one year since I unofficially set my 60 by 60 goal. Since I didn't do my first walk until April 28th, I have had a busy few months trying to catch up. On my birthday, I completed my seventh walk, keeping me on track for success. Kristin joined me again, this time for the Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation 5K. 

The morning began with a welcome from Colton's family and a send-off from a wounded warrior. 











We walked through the Central States Fairgrounds and were greeted by the animals in the Ag Barn.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Veterans proudly waved the red, white and blue.

After the walk, we celebrated with family.

                                          Year Two begins in Spearfish on September 16th.

Six: Coach K Memorial Mile

One week ago, I spent a day getting drenched in a downpour at Valley Forge. Who knew it was preparing me for my sixth walk?

The Live Like Lilli Foundation hosted the First Annual Coach Kambestad Memorial Mile. Kambestad died earlier this year, and last night many who knew him turned out to honor his memory. Money raised will support a scholarship in the beloved teacher/coach's name.

The walk began near the picnic shelter at Old Storybook Island in Rapid City--complete with music and thunderstorm warnings.

The rain held off until we started walking, but getting wet did not dampen anyone's spirits.

It was a beautiful evening complete with a reminder of God's promise.

Five: Tom Pfeifle 5k

Yesterday brought another Saturday morning walk, and I finally got to walk with Kristin! It was an early start, so we left home long before we would usually be up. It almost felt like we should be going to rummage sales, but instead we headed to Founders Park with over 500 other people for the Tom Pfeifle 5k.


The Run/Walk was held in honor of a nineteen year old Stevens graduate who died after a climbing accident almost two years ago. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help build Raider Park, an outdoor biking and hiking area that it sounds like
he would have loved.
 

We followed the bike path across Rapid Creek and under West Omaha, crossed Canyon Lake Road, and turned around in Sioux Park. Before we walkers even finished our first mile, the runners were already coming back. We kept on walking and made our way back to Founders Park. It was a well-planned event for a great cause.

Four: 2018 Black Hills ALS

A large group gathered at Memorial Park yesterday, June 23rd, for the annual ALS Walk. Thanks, Emily, for once again spearheading Team Dan!



The shirts were awesome as usual, and the group had a great time remembering Dan and walking for the cause. 

After the rain we've had all week, there was some mud and squishy spots along the way and the creek was roaring, but nobody minded a bit--especially since Walk Day was sunny and bright.

I enjoyed a great visit with Annie
and her little one then finished the
walk with a cute little zombie who
wanted to be the first one done--he
was so close!













 

Walk Number Five is this Saturday, June 30th. Follow the link if you can join me--I would love your company!

Three: Third Annual Sturgis Ambulance 5K Color Splash

Walk number three was Thursday, May 24, 2018. It was my first "color splash," and I was not sure what to expect. My friend Cindy joined me for the fun. It all began at the Sturgis Ambulance/Fire Hall. The color flew around even before we started walking.
In several spots along the way, EMS members and other volunteers splashed us with color. Both Cindy and I were great targets for some former students--like Tallina:-)
The planned route took us down Ball Park Road to Main Street, then west to Seventh Street and north to Lazelle. It then went back to Third Street and followed it to Colorado Drive, David Drive, and Ball Park to end up back where we started. Cindy and I followed the route--almost. One detour was onto Cooper Loop to wave at my mom as we went by. It took a little longer than expected since Eddie the dog escaped, and I had to catch him before we could continue our walk. When we got to Bear Butte School, we took another short cut through the parking lot--but still walked over two and a half miles. No regrets!