The countdown to the Blue Nose Marathon has begun, 72 days
from today from May 21-23! This
year marks the sixth year for this ever-growing event! The Blue Nose has become near and dear
to my heart for many reasons. The
greatest reason of all, this is a people's marathon! A marathon for the inner athlete in everyone.
Our sweet friend Jaide moved away last year, but I know she longs to come back to run the Blue Nose Marathon again. I know this because she's truly got an athlete's soul, willful and determined. I remember the first year she participated in the Blue Nose Marathon. She was 11 years old. Jaide was born with cerebral palsy, and had endured many painful treatments year over year. Her brevity and tenacity was truly inspiring and she was always ready to take on a new challenge. So when she heard about the Blue Nose Youth Run, she was ready to run. However, naturally her mother Connie was a little worried about her completing the race. She worried if she might be in pain. She worried if she would have trained enough. But Jaide insisted "Mom, we trained at school!" She worried if Jaide's shoes would have been good enough. But Jaide took out a pair of her mother's running shoes and said, "See mom...they fit!" Jaide was so determined! And finally Connie ran out of reasons to worry. When race day came, Jaide lined up amidst a sea of green shirts and blue noses. Jaide saw some girls from school and waved. They shot off from the start, but her dad Richard encouraged to keep her own pace. Half way through the race, Jaide passed those girls and reached the finish line to the proud tears of her mom. As for Jaide, you could not wipe the smile off her face. And she went on to run again with her dad and little brother Reed the next year.
Jaide's an inspiration to all that know her. But there are many inspiring stories to come from the Blue Nose Marathon every year. This year I've been asked to captain a group of women from the Elderobics program at my local YMCA to walk the 5K. These women inspire me everyday. Their camaraderie and laughter is infectious. Their zest for life reminds me to remember to take the time to enjoy it! That will be my Blue Nose story for this year. But standing misty eyed at the finish line watching runners complete full marathons, while families and friends cheer from the sidelines, is enough to make me think.... one day that will be me.
The Blue Nose Marathon has a race for everyone, a Youth run,
a 5K a 10K, a half marathon and a full marathon. Not a runner? There is also lots of room for volunteers and cheering
sections all a long the route.
Have a story about running in the Blue Nose? I would love to hear it!
Jaide crosses the finish line!
Reed proudly shoes off his medal
A sea of green: youth runners getting refreshed after the race
Runners begin the trek over the bridge to Dartmouth
A few blessings along the way. Maybe that's why the rain held off!
My sister and I are considering walking the 10k. Still practicing. Will decide next month :)
I say just go for it Anne! I know you can do it. The vibe, the energy is amazing. You are going to have a great time.
I ran this race last year with my sisters, all different running levels, and it was great! We are already signed up for this year! :) I hope to see you there!
Fantastic, a family event! Something for everyone. It's a great place to connect with old friends. Every year I run into people I haven't seen in forever.
Thank you for this Cindy! Jaide is over the moon about being included in your AWESOME blog! I can't say enough about the Blue Nose Marathon! Athletes at every level, and ability are valued,respected and supported. Such an empowering experience and family oriented event. One of the best decisions that I didn't even make!! (Jaide made it! And I followed, that girl teaches me every single day!) JUST GIV'ER!!!!!!
We're so proud of Jaide. Running, skating, swimming. That girl gives her all in everything she does. Let's hope that Jaide makes it out to the race again. We'd love to see her.
I just wanted to give special thanks to Cindy for a heart felt recognition to a truly inspiring young lady.
Jaide is my niece and I know all to well the personal obstacles she has been faced with her entire life.
Our family is so very proud of her and hope she continues her participation in the Blue Nose Marathon. An overwhelming support from Bay Roberts, Newfoundland
Thanks Craig! I hope she gets to run it this year too. She'll have a lot of people rooting for her.
Great job on your blog Cindy , I know Jaide and she is a girl to be proud of. So are you ,you are allways there to encourage and to help others.
Love Mom
LOL, thanks mom. Hugs all around. Maybe one day you can help me across the finish line?