9/11 Heroes Run 5k, Virginia Beach

"If not me, than who?" That's what 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion responded with when asked why he was going to Iraq. This incredible warrior lost his life on April 29, 2007 in Fallujah, Iraq in service to our country while keeping us safe and free. On this day, Tuesday, September 11, 2012, I remind myself that I will never forget. I will never forget those who lost their lives on that fateful day eleven years ago and I will never forget those who protect me and my country every single day.

It is because of them that I can participate in an event like a 5k. I have to participate, I have to honor them.

But who takes care of the service members who do come back from the war? And who takes care of the families after they've received word that they've lost a loved one in service to our country? The Travis Manion Foundation is an amazing organization created to help the military community fill this gap; their service to the community is inspiring. The Virginia Beach/Norfolk area is home to the largest naval base in the world so the 5k held this weekend meant that much more. This year's race resulted in over $20,000 raised and over 600 runners participated, and that's just in Virginia Beach. Houston had several thousand runners!

Each year, the 9/11 Heroes Run 5k races are held internationally during the weekend on or around September 11th. After Sunday morning in Virginia Beach, I can assure you that there is no better way to never forget September 11th than by honoring our service members, police officers, firefighters and emergency responders by supporting this event as the proceeds go to the foundation. So now I know what I'll be doing every year for September 11th. If it seems like the right thing to do, it's because it is.

A special note to the organizers
For all those with the 9/11 Heroes Run and the Travis Manion Foundation, you did such an incredible job. I was honored to be a part of the day and to remember your warrior, and all those who are out there keeping me safe and free. It is because of men and women like 1st Lieutenant Manion that we can take part in events like this and I will never, ever take my freedom and their service for granted. Thank you so very, very much and I will see you next year!

Quick overview

• Weather: It was rainy when I woke up, but stopped before the race. Beautiful running weather at 70 degrees.
• Music: Music to get all 600 runners and supporters pumped played before, during, and after the race; one runner sang the National Anthem and she was amazing; two bugle-players played Taps, and then one man played the bagpipes before the start of the race. Beautiful, absolutely memorable way to start.
• Friendship: The "Team Looney" group spoke of their loved one, 1st Lieutenant Brendan Looney. Looney and Manion were roommates at the U.S. Naval Academy and they are both buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery. Their story was eloquently shared, and was another reminder of what our military does for all of us.
• Had no idea: That the logo for the Travis Manion foundation (see above picture, the bib has the logo of what looks like a mask) is actually the T and the M from his name. So. Doggone. Cool.
• So Professional: Chip-timed event which was my first experience and it was fantastic! Not to mention that I got an email about an hour and a half after I finished with full details of how I ran, including where I placed in my age group, time, etc.
• My Time: I finished at 35:43 which is about a minute better than my first 5k. I was bummed that I didn't finish with a time closer to the run I did a few weeks ago before I got injured, but I'll get back to that awesome time, I know I will.
• I ate: Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the end. Delish. Which was nice since I had only half (of a half) of a bagel with peanut butter at 7:30. Not a good idea for me to do that again, note to self.
• Wicked cool take-home item: They give you dog tags when you cross the finish line. And they are beautifully crafted and surprisingly heavy (see above picture). I will always keep it.
• Who did I meet? A fellow book blogger! I first "met"her through our bookish chats between her book blog, Beachreader, and mine at Coffee and a Book Chick, but we finally met in-real-life Sunday!

Longer overview (with pictures!)
My husband was a wonderful supporter and photographer for me. He wasn't pleased with his own injuries but he is just awesome. It was also pretty doggone cool to meet a few guys who are in the same Coast Guard unit my husband was in. And oh, let me tell you, folks, this ain't the Coast Guard you think it is! Take a look at the picture below, a few photos down. These gentlemen all ran with bullet proof vests, gas masks, boots. Dang.

I was incredibly nervous. Someone on the stage said "stretch." I think I'm praying here. Rockin' (er, trying to, at least) my new pink compression socks from Final Kick Sports that I bought Friday.

I am fairly confident no one is looking at me. Except that one girl.

These Coast Guard service members ran with all this tac gear on; it was absolutely awesome of them to let me take this picture. Thank you for your service, gentlemen!

My husband works with Katie, and her husband is a U.S. Navy SEAL. Not only is she super-nice, but she happens to be quite the badass herself since she's run a half-marathon, for cryin' out loud. That is one of my dreams. And to get taller.

Meeting fellow book blogger, Beachreader! She's doing a 5k next month and I'm pretty sure I'll be doing the same one, so it'll be nice to run into her again!

And me at the finish line. On the left. Behind the dude with the stroller. And before you get all, "oh wow, the guy with the stroller beat you" let me tell you that YES, I thought that, too, but he's one fit dude, so whatevs, he rocked it. (Image source: Facebook picture on the foundation's site.)

Never forget.

I blog at Coffee and a Book Chick, and I participate in Joy's Book Blogs' weekly meme, "Readers' Workouts." To participate, add the below button to your post and link up.