Running with Angels 2014

Yesterday we participated in Running with Angels, a race hosted and inspired by Pam Hansen. She too lost a child and chose to channel her grief into exercise. She wrote a book called Running with Angels and began hosting this 5K 10 years ago. The money raised goes to Angel Watch and other women's services through IHC. Angel Watch has become so near to our hearts, we want to do all we can to help the program continue. Russ and I invited friends and family to join us and we were pleasantly surprised by all the people that joined Team Olivia. We also had people donate to the team. I was so touched by those who donated because some were friends I hadn't spoken to in years. Russ' brother, Tyler, created a cute logo for our team and we had tshirts printed. There were so many people there wearing shirts for their baby or family member. It was so touching and heartbreaking to see so many people there in honor of an angel baby. This will definitely be a yearly tradition. I love that we can physically do something to honor and remember our sweet Olivia.

When my alarm went off Russ turned to me and said he hadn't slept all night because he was so excited for the race. He told me he was going to run so fast for his baby girl. I thought this was so sweet. He took off like a bullet and finished in 27:35.8, 8:54/mile, 7th in his age division. I was so impressed with him considering he hasn't been running in months. I finished in 33:34.8, 10:50/mi, 22nd in my age division. I did stop to go to the bathroom but I was a little disappointed I didn't finish faster. I want to say that I'll do better next year but I hope to be pregnant next year so I will be happy completing it! 

Doves were released before the race in honor of all the angel babies.

 Team Olivia before the race

 Even Bryce and Nixon had Team Olivia shirts

 Our friend Erin, who ran the Boston Marathon two weeks ago, won 3rd place in the women's division. 22:44 min

 Lauren and I crossing the finishing line.

 Tanner pushed Bryce in the stroller for me.

 My friend, Zahara, from dental hygiene school. She told me how she has been reading my blog and how it has strengthened her testimony. Knowing that our story has strengthened others really did help Russ and I feel less hopeless. I do not believe that Olivia had to go to make us better people or so that others would be helped but I do believe that it does give us the opportunity to influence others.

 Pam Hansen the host of Running with Angels

 Hunsaker Clan without Russ

 We ran for our Angel Olivia. We miss you baby girl. I hope that you were proud of us all!