Simply Gathered: Forrest Spence 5K

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Forrest Spence 5K

My childhood friend Candace sent me a link back in 2007 of her friends, Brittany and David Spence, who had just given birth to their first son, Forrest Spence. He was born 3 weeks premature and his lungs weren't completely developed. Somehow he contracted Strep B infection even though Brittany tested negative days before and he began fighting for his life. He ended up living 55 days and his parents set up this 5K in his honor to help provide funds for families of children in Lebonheur. Since I have followed their Caringbridge since then, I thought it only fitting that I run this 5K. And I had some family and friends run in it too which is always more fun! There were over 1,000 people running in the race and it raised more than $38,000! You can read their whole story here.

From L to R: My dad, my mom's best friend Karen, Debby, my mom, Jennifer, me, Candace and my brother Allen.

Me and my friend Candace (who told me about this family). We have been friends since I was in 4th grade!!! It was so good to see her and run with her for a while (until she started smokin' me!).

Me with my mom, dad and brother

I didn't get a pic of me coming in but I finished in about 31 1/2 minutes don't know my official time yet. I was hoping to come in under 30 but that's ok. My dad has been doing the Couch to 5K program and hasn't even finished it yet (actually he has only run a 20 minute once!) and finished the race in 36! I was so proud of him!!!! This was he and my mom's first 5K!