MAGICAL INDEED

As many of you know a friend and I organized a race to raise money for a darling family in my neighborhood. Have you seen the video? Probably, but if not take a minute to watch it.

All through September and October we met, we planned, we stressed, we cried, we laughed, we felt butterflies all to put the SPREAD MAGIC AROUND 5k together. And because of you so many of you, it truly was a magical day.

We had perfect running weather. Partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the high 40s; sounds cold but once you get running the air felt crisp and refreshing. Liberty Park was the perfect venue. It provided runners with a nice, flat course, beautiful scenery and plenty of places to park!

We had over 150 people register for the race, which I hear is pretty impressive for a brand new race. We had over 100 people come and actually run/walk the race. I can't even begin to explain my feelings of humility, love and gratitude for all the people who came to support. I often become overwhelmed with thinking about how horrible/scary/wicked the world we live in is, but when you see so many good people come together to support a family that they may or may not know, you realize there is still so much good in this world. It was definitely an emotional day for everyone.

Runners getting geared up to race. Our winner ran the 3.1 miles in just over 16 minutes.

Do you realize that's just over a 5 minute mile? Amazing.

We invited participants to dress up with it being Halloween weekend and the participants did not let us down! Here were some of my favorites.

I love how people got so involved by dressing up and making the event such a good time.

We had donuts, bagels, bananas and Halloween candy for refreshments after the race.

People brought their whole family!

Parents pushed their darling dressed up kids in strollers and pulled their dogs on leashes.

Music was bumping, prizes were awarded, and runners received their results instantly.

Honestly things ran so smoothly and perfectly that day, I have no doubt their was a higher power watching out for all of us!

**There was this sweet older couple walking around the park who asked my little sister was what going on. After she told them they handed her four dollars to give to the Colemans as a donation. Every little bit helps.

Friends, neighbors and family came to run the event.

I even had a couple of friends whose husbands work with Mike come and support.

I love both of these ladies.

Mike's brother Brad, his wife Tracee, and their kids Brooks and Ellee came to run it. It meant so much to me to have family there. Brad and Tracee are the biggest party animals. They came dressed up and ready for a good time. I don't think they ever miss out on helping someone out. Love these guys. Mike's sister Stephanie also signed up but couldn't come due to runny noses! (We missed you Steph!)

I married into the greatest family.

Emily was there and even convinced some of her dear friends to wake up early on a chilly Saturday morning and volunteer for the race. Such lovely ladies.

Lacey was the MVP of the event. If any of you know Lacey, you won't be surprised with how much she helped me out. She was one of the first to register for the race, she picked up bagels for the race, donated donuts, and actually ran the race. Over and over she would call/text/email to know what I needed. How did I ever get to lucky to get such a true and loyal friend who steps up to the plate when a friend is in need?

Lacey is the BEST, not to mention she rocked the race my friends!

My sister Katherine came with her kids and walked the race while her husband Lance completed his first 5k! Katherine and Lance were also some of the first to register for the race. I got phone call daily from her to ask what she could do to help or she would call to celebrate another person registering! They took Charlotte for a couple of hours the day before the race just so I could get things done. My mom came bright and early the morning of to help set up and of course being a runner herself she rocked the race. My dad was there to cheer us all on and give the support we needed. So lucky to be near family.

A few more much needed shout outs of support,

because really these people deserve the recognition for all the good they did.

Kathy, Allison and Heidi don't live anywhere near Salt Lake City but each of them registered for the race just to donate and show support. Seriously? I've got some of the greatest friends. Registering for the race probably seemed like such a simple act to these ladies but it meant the world to me and it also helped us raise a significant amount of money for the Colemans.

Heidi also got her sister, a bunch of her sister friends, and her mom to register! Heidi all those people made a big difference! Thank you!

Two of my fastest running friends who both happen to have the same name (Katie) also signed up knowing they probably wouldn't be able to make it due to being sick or having to bring two kids without the help of their husband.

My friend from college, Monica, signed up for the race with a couple of friends.

Hope you are feeling better Monica!

My neighbors Tiffany, Brian, and Shelly took care of the water for the race which was a huge stress relief for me.

My extended family also helped. My aunt Patti donated money to the Colemans and my aunt Janalee offered to come and volunteer for the race. My cousin Annie and her husband Matthew also registered for the race knowing they wouldn't be there to actually run it.

My dear friend Lindsay, who lives in AZ emailed and asked how she could help and donate.

Chelsea the other race director was a dream to work with. She was organized, meticulous and uptight, just like me. We were two peas on a pod. The race would not have been such a big success without her.

My in laws signed up for the race, and watched my sweet Charlotte the morning of the race. It was so nice not to worry about my lovey because I knew she was well taken care of.

What would I do without Steve and Carol?

And of course all of the planning and organizing of the race happened during the two busiest months of Mike's schedule but through it all he helped at home, listened to me cry, put packets together, organized race shirts, and rubbed my feet. BEST. HUSBAND. EVER.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

THANK YOU for making a difference in a family's life!

Putting this together was challenging, stressful and very time consuming but worth every minute! Seeing the Colemans there with their kids and having everyone cheer them on at the finish line was priceless. There are so many good, thoughtful, generous people in the world and I felt blessed to know so many of them! Thank you again for your help, support, and prayers. It was a MAGICAL EVENT INDEED.