One more to wrap it up.

I'm a day late writing this post but I guess better late than never. The first annual Heroes Challenge is officially wrapped up. Donation check was mailed & planning for next year is underway. I thought it only appropriate to run for the man who's story was the first I read with Supporting Heroes. My first dedication run was to him & another officer so this one is just his. 

Officer Ellis was a young officer with a wife & 2 small boys. He had been in service for 7 years when he was found dead from a gunshot wound on an expressway ramp shortly after the end of his shift. His shift ended at 2:00 A.M. and he was discovered at 2:40 A.M.

His vehicle was parked with the emergency lights activated in a position to block traffic. There were no witnesses and he had not called in to advise dispatch of any activity. 

On May 25, 2013, he left behind his young family, his parents & 2 sisters. 

Sadly, the person(s) that took his life haven't yet been found. 

RIP Officer Ellis

Needed to clear my mind...

I needed to clear my head today so I squeezed in a quick couple of miles before picking up my girls. 

There was a bad wreck here this morning. Somebody was watching over me. I overslept & I decided to take Tori to school first. As I left town to drop Gracie off I passed cops flying. I would've been right in that area at that time if I had followed my usual routine. It's had me shaken up all day. 

For some reason Deputy Jacob Calvin of the Tipton County Sheriff Office (Tipton County, IN) has been on my mind as well. He lost his life in the line of duty as he was responding to a car accident. His cruiser left the road & crashed. He was killed in route. He was 31 & had been in service for 2 1/2 years. 

I spent this past weekend at the Kentucky State Fire School promoting the Heroes' Challenge & Supporting Heroes. I've been lucky enough to get to know a lot of great people through planning the HC. It was difficult to come across this accident & see so many I knew working to save these lives. It's an everyday thing for them but not for me. I could NEVER do these jobs but I'm truly thankful for those who can/do. God bless & keep them. 

Always pray for our responders, especially when they're running with lights & sirens.

RIP Deputy Calvin

LODD 6-28-14

It all counts...

Tonight I did a couple miles on the elliptical after training a couple. I wasn't sure if I should count it but I am. Sadly I didn't have my dedication written on my arms but it was dedicated all the same. 

Tonight was for Officer Charles David Howley of the Oldham County Police Department. Officer Howley's End of Watch (LODD) was May 14, 2014. He complained about not feeling well after an emergency response & ended his shift early that day. He suffered a fatal heart attack at home. 

Officer Howley spent 20 in service. He was described as a "superior" & "dedicated" officer. A post on his memorial page says, "He was a great officer and friend who always brought a smile to people's faces." 

Along with many friends & brothers/sisters in the department, he left behind his wife, his daughter, parents & a brother. He was only 51. God bless & keep his family. Thank you for your service. 

Family for family

Tonight I ran a total of 2.25 miles with my oldest on her bike & my little one in her stroller. Brandon joined us for the last mile. Proud of my girl. That's by far the farthest she's ever gone. My time wasn't great but it was good to get out there with them. 

This run was in memory of Lieutenant Jonathan French of the Glendale Vol Fire Dept. He was killed in the line of duty on Aug 6, 2014. He was only 26 & engaged. He was working an accident on the interstate when their fire truck was hit by a tractor trailer. He was hit by the fire truck & died at the scene. His mother was working with him & was airlifted to the hospital with non life threatening injuries. Four of the six working the accident were related. 

I thought this was an appropriate run to do with my family. We're blessed each day & each moment we get with them. Make the most of the small things. 

God bless!

Colors of Courage 5K

Today I ran/walked my 18th 5K!! We had a great turnout to fight cancer. I ran for my mom, aunt, cousins, Brandon's mom & several more. He ran for his mom, grandmother, my mom & others. It was fabulous!! Took 2 new classes on Wednesday & Thursday. I felt those today!! 

I wanted to dedicate this run but I wanted to do it for a fallen responder who had fought cancer. Couldn't find that out in time. No matter it was a good test run to see exactly how far I have to go...& it's a LONG way. 

It was great to be back out there & have Brandon by my side. ❤️

They said goodbye to him yesterday. I ran for him today.

Sadly, on 8-5-14, there were 2 firefighters lost in the line of duty. One of those was Assistant Chief Jamie Middlebrook. 

He was 41 & had been with the New Carlisle Volunteer Fire Dept (Indiana) for 22 years. Shortly before midnight New Carlisle and other area fire departments responded to a commercial building fire. As Assistant Chief Middlebrook and another firefighter were setting up a portable ground monitor within a section of the structure, there as a catastrophic collapse of the building. Assistant Chief Middlebrook was killed in the collapse.

He was also a career EMT with New Carlisle EMS.  He is survived by his wife - Julie, mom - Carol, and father - Bob, who has been a member of the department for approximately 40 years and is a former chief.  He was on the scene with his son when the incident occurred.

Nobody likes to think about losing a loved one, especially a child. Tragically, both men lost last week were working alongside a parent. Doing what they love. 

RIP Assistant Chief Jamie Middlebrook & God's peace to your loved ones. 

This was my log entry:

SOOOO humid this morning!! At times I felt like I was breathing thru wet cotton. Then I thought about Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Middlebrook. Killed in the line of duty on 8-5-14. Lost in a structure collapse while responding to a fire. His family laid him to rest yesterday. I ran for him today. I can't imagine trying to breathe in conditions they do so I can handle some humidity. Good run!

First official dedicated training run.

This past weekend was fabulous!! Heroes Challenge finally came & went after 9 months of planning. It was a HUGE success. Now it's time to focus on training for the Indy Mini!!

When I stepped out this morning, the song I'm The Man was playing. Appropriate. The words sank in...

"It's a thin line between love and hate. 

Is you really real or is you really fake?

I'm a solider standing on my feet. 

No surrender and I won't retreat. 

Stand up now and face the sun. 

Won't hide my tail or turn and run. 

It's time to do what must be done. 

Be a king when kingdom comes."

This was my first dedicated training run & I was honored to carry 2 fine officers on my shoulders. Jason Ellis' story was the first I read when learning about Supporting Heroes. Then I got to hear his lovely wife speak at their annual gala. This story has always gotten to me. Chad's story was told to me be a friend of his just yesterday. Both are very moving. 

Officer Jason Ellis served as a police officer for 7 years before he was shot & killed in the line of duty on 5-23-13. He was found dead on an expressway ramp. His car was parked in a position to block traffic with emergency lights activated. There were no witnesses & his shooter has not yet been located. He was 33 & left behind a wife & 2 young sons.

Officer Chad Spicer joined the police force in 2004 & lost in the line of duty on 9-1-2009, only nine days after he turned 29. He responded to a report of a man with a gun at a restaurant. After locating the vehicle & calling for backup, the driver got out & opened fire, killing Officer Spicer & injuring his partner before fleeing. A second man in the car fled the scene but a third came to assist Officer Spicer. The shooter & man who fled were arrested. The shooter relieved the death penalty. The other got 10 years. The third was not charged. Officer Spicer left behind a young daughter as well. 

I did a fast 2.6 miles before work for these guys this morning. Never met either but I'm greatful for their service. RIP Officers Ellis & Spicer.