Total Basset Case: Weekend Wrap Up: Tunnels to Towers

Sep 10, 2012

Weekend Wrap Up: Tunnels to Towers

Ahhh, a weekend at home, again, best. ever.

All in all, our weekend was pretty low key.
Friday night we had a pre-race party for the race I ran on Sunday
Saturday we gym'ed it, had our weekly coffee date and ran a lot of errands.
And, by errands, I mean went shopping.
But as far as Saturday goes, I have nothing to show for my shopping adventures.
Sunday I had my 3rd 5k of the summer and it went really well! 
(more on the race in a second)
I managed to squeeze in some more shopping on Sunday and did come home with a few things for my efforts.
First, the polka dot chambray from Old Navy.
And secondly, a gem from the Loft.
I had been to the Loft on Saturday and filled out a form for a free gift card.
Then, on Sunday, I got a call that I had won!
I contemplated getting something practical (new work pants, jeans, etc.) but in the end, decided to get this fun, lightweight sweater.

 A little background on today's race.

I recently had the pleasure of working with some new clients on their master bathroom. 
(We completely renovated their space- I'll have pictures for you soon!)
 I have really, really enjoyed working with these clients and hope to do more with them.
They are full of life and have the best stories.

Unfortunately, they lost their son on 9/11.
Since knowing them, they have shared a lot of really great stories and memories with me.
They have also been telling me about this 'Tunnels to Towers' race.
The race was started in New York in honor of a fireman, Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn tunnels to get to the Towers on 9/11, in his full firemen gear.
 Can you imagine??
Ever since 9/11 they have been having this run in honor of him in New York and have been adding more across the country.
They are aiming for 343 races (the number of firemen that were killed on 9/11).
This was the first year for it be held in Cincinnati and I can not wait to see this race grow next year!
As soon as my clients told me about this race, the cause, and of course, the moving stories about their son, I just knew I had to run the race.

The race was an incredible and moving experience.
There were many firemen running the race in their full gear.
 And at the end of the race they had set up posters with each of the firemen's photos on them that had passed away on 9/11.
If the race wasn't tough enough, trying not bawl my eyes out at that point made it even worse.
 The course ended up being mis marked and we really ran almost 4 miles.
That is definitely my longest distance to date! 
But I am happy to say that I did the 4 miles in 38 minutes!

I was so honored to be a part of this race and can not wait to do it again next year.

How was your weekend??
Any fall shopping adventures?

14 comments:

Katie said...

Congratulations in ANOTHER race! You go! And I definitely bought that ON polka dot chambray shirt too. Glad you had a good weekend!

Amanda English said...

Congrats! What an inspirational race!!! =) PS - I just ordered that polka dot chambray and am waiting it's arrival! I tried it on in the store and loved it! I only ordered it b/c online was a great discount + I get free shipping.... So... Now I wait! xoxo

Kait said...

I'm not going to lie, I totally teared up reading this post, and I'm usually not very emotional! I'm so proud of you for being so committed to running and I admire your strength in doing this race for your friends. Have a great week :)

Erin said...

So a tear or two totally just escaped in my office. What an AMAZING race, I wish I'd done it. I really hope it continues to come back to Cincinnati. That picture of the firefighter in his gear really moved me. So glad you did this race :)

Because Shanna Said So said...

Way to go, Sarah! I am so proud of you and I would have been bawling my eyes out too. I am sure there was so much emotion there that day. And score on the chambray. I love mine. And what??? That is awesome that you won that gift card to the Loft!
Shanna

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

Congrats on the race!! That is awesome!! If this race comes to So Cali, I will definitely join in!! I teared up looking at pics...so emotional here LOL

jes @ twosmuppies said...

3rd 5k of the summer? i can't even. you are my hero!

Allyson said...

That's awesome! I'm going to have to keep an out for this race coming to my area. So inspiring!

Chelsea said...

I participated in the Tunnel to Towers race in Virginia on Sunday! What a touching day.

Our race helped raise money for a local war hero, 22, who lost both legs and an arm during his third tour in Afghanistan. A good cause, I would say!

Anonymous said...

Nice run! :)

Also...cute sweater! Gotta love winning gift cards...lucky!

Unknown said...

That race looks amazing. I hope it comes to Oregon, because I would love to run in it. Congrats on the big win for the gift card!

Anne said...

Proud of you lady & would give anything to run in a race like that! What an amazing cause!!

You go girl.

Caitlin said...

My uncle worked for the NYPD for his whole career. He lost so many friends and colleagues that day and still can barely get out of bed the whole week of September 11. I didn't know about this race but I think it's so important to spread the love and rememberence across the country. True heroes.

henning love said...

yes you got the polka dot chambray so we are twinsies!! and i heard about the FDNY stephen siller and how on each anniversary of 9/11 his family got something amazing for someone else. there was a marine about an hour away who lots three limbs and he got a brand new house because of this guy's foundation