I am a runner

Beth & I at the finish line
Chicago 2009

Over the last 10 years I have been crossing the finish line of local 5K's and spent some time on marathon trail with my sister and my husband. I have held the hands of my friends and family as they have pursued running challenges. I have pushed athletes to their limits and enjoyed their successes along side them. I am a runner! Over my time on the road, I have learned a lot about myself and I have grown relationships with people in a unique way that only running has provided. I often reflect on my time on the road running when life gets messy. I use those challenges and successes I have experienced on the road to move through the mess and find success. The finish line can be life changing! The finish of the Chicago Marathon in 2009 was life changing for me. As I turned the corner towards the finish line for the event with my sister beside me and my family on the sidelines cheering me on my life changed. I hold that vision and that emotion with me and recall on that day often.  I hold that memory again today with my thoughts of the horrific event that happen yesterday at the Boston Marathon.  I am wearing my Chicago shirt today and will join other runners on the street today as we celebrate and honor all that it is running.  My heart is with my fellow runners and running fans in Boston. Today I will run to honor the athletes, their friends and family, the event staff and the emergency crews.

I have included some of my favorite running memory photos:

After finishing the mile at a time race in KC! Rudy was so proud!

The morning of St. Judes Marathon. Running for Gage and our brother Sam!

Justin finishing his first Triathlon!

It was an honor to run for Gage in the St. Judes Marathon

Running for Sadie Olson!

Finishing Jamie's first 5K holding hands!

A hug from my baby girl before the St. Judes race for good luck

Emily celebrated her 10th birthday with a 5K with her best pals

When the stomach flu stopped me from this half marathon, my  husband jump in and ran beside my sister.

Me and my gals coming in for Rudy and Clare first 5K finish

The first 5K for the Benton women as a group

My husband's marathon! It was a 100 degree day in April.  I was unable to finish due to heat, but he finished and carried my bib the entire way. Thankful for my family being there that helped me off the course.

Tradition continues!