Rylie's Run - May 12, 2019
Our second annual Rylie's Run was incredible. Thank you to the over three hundred people that joined us on such a beautiful day and raising over $10,000! The WAVES of kindness we're set to create are going to be incredible.
We already have Rylie's Run 2020 booked! Look forward to seeing you there - Mother's Day 2020!
We already have Rylie's Run 2020 booked! Look forward to seeing you there - Mother's Day 2020!
Photos and Results
Special thanks to Twain Wilkins of Liberty Pro Imaging for capturing the pure joy of this day! Thank you also, Stridemob - many you all know how to make an event fun!
- Race day photos courtesy of Twain Wilkins
- Race Results
Memory Mile
Memory Mile was back this year with some beautiful new additions. Lining the finish chute, these posters commemorate and celebrate people that have been lost in our community. Sharing these memories and stories is an important part of who we are and what we want to do.
Creating Ripples - Kindness Rocks
Participants were invited to choose a rock with an ARK (Act of Random Kindness) on it and take it with them as a reminder of their commitment to being kind.
Rylie's Run - A Reflection
I have always been, and likely will continue to be, a ‘doer’. I like to be busy and get things done. So planning Rylie’s Run is right up my alley. There are tons of tasks associated with the event and even some color coded checklists. (What more could a girl ask for?!?)
Because of my doer nature, it’s also pretty normal for me to be seen in the mix of things. If there’s a challenge at hand, a milestone to reach, or a process to be completed, I’m your girl. Evidence of this trait was seen at our first Rylie’s Run. Ziggy and I watched the masses take off for the run, looked at each other, shrugged and then took off with the group. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a 5K in when everyone else was!
This year was a little bit different. I was busy all morning with last minute details. Suddenly I found myself standing over a split rail fence, taking pictures of the over 300 people who came out to join us while Ziggy emceed the race. I cheered while precariously balanced on the fence and then realized everyone had run past me. This time I shrugged, jumped down from my perch and decided to just breathe and take it all in.
At first I didn’t know what to do. It was really the first time that day that I’d stopped to even look around. It was amazing to me what our group of volunteers was able to accomplish. I had a moment to walk around and check out vendor tents, look at our Rocks of Kindness pool, and even meander through Memory Mile. Somehow, while I was scurrying around that morning, the event had truly popped up and it had the look and feel that we’d hoped for, and then some.
Before long, runners - the really speedy ones - started coming up through Memory Mile and crossing the finish line. I had a moment of regret when I realized I wouldn’t be crossing that finish line, and for the girl who likes accomplishments, a finish line is a big deal. It was just a moment though, as I realized that I had a huge opportunity. I moved to the finish line and began to cheer all of our runners in. I high fived and hugged. I yelled until I was hoarse and pumped my fist in the hair. I ran backwards a few steps, teasing some of our runners towards the finish.
Looking back on that day, I’m so glad that my finisher nature was circumstantially forced to skip the run. Being at the finish line to cheer on all of our supporters was far more rewarding than any PR (or not) that I could have set on that course. I was blessed to be able to see the faces of people who have loved on us, and continue to love on us, as well as each other in honor of Rylie.
So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to all that supported Rylie’s Run 2019. Whether you made it to the run, donated online, purchased some gear, donated your time, or just enjoyed a beer, you all helped us raise over $10,000 dollars! The waves of kindness that we will be able to create with that kind of support will have a lasting impact on so many, ourselves included.
Because of my doer nature, it’s also pretty normal for me to be seen in the mix of things. If there’s a challenge at hand, a milestone to reach, or a process to be completed, I’m your girl. Evidence of this trait was seen at our first Rylie’s Run. Ziggy and I watched the masses take off for the run, looked at each other, shrugged and then took off with the group. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a 5K in when everyone else was!
This year was a little bit different. I was busy all morning with last minute details. Suddenly I found myself standing over a split rail fence, taking pictures of the over 300 people who came out to join us while Ziggy emceed the race. I cheered while precariously balanced on the fence and then realized everyone had run past me. This time I shrugged, jumped down from my perch and decided to just breathe and take it all in.
At first I didn’t know what to do. It was really the first time that day that I’d stopped to even look around. It was amazing to me what our group of volunteers was able to accomplish. I had a moment to walk around and check out vendor tents, look at our Rocks of Kindness pool, and even meander through Memory Mile. Somehow, while I was scurrying around that morning, the event had truly popped up and it had the look and feel that we’d hoped for, and then some.
Before long, runners - the really speedy ones - started coming up through Memory Mile and crossing the finish line. I had a moment of regret when I realized I wouldn’t be crossing that finish line, and for the girl who likes accomplishments, a finish line is a big deal. It was just a moment though, as I realized that I had a huge opportunity. I moved to the finish line and began to cheer all of our runners in. I high fived and hugged. I yelled until I was hoarse and pumped my fist in the hair. I ran backwards a few steps, teasing some of our runners towards the finish.
Looking back on that day, I’m so glad that my finisher nature was circumstantially forced to skip the run. Being at the finish line to cheer on all of our supporters was far more rewarding than any PR (or not) that I could have set on that course. I was blessed to be able to see the faces of people who have loved on us, and continue to love on us, as well as each other in honor of Rylie.
So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to all that supported Rylie’s Run 2019. Whether you made it to the run, donated online, purchased some gear, donated your time, or just enjoyed a beer, you all helped us raise over $10,000 dollars! The waves of kindness that we will be able to create with that kind of support will have a lasting impact on so many, ourselves included.
