Celebrating 10 Years of Turkey Trotting & a Runner's Narrative

It's the year 1997.  I'm worried about starting my freshman year in high school, friends and acne and my dad approaches me with a proposition.  It goes like this: Renee, if you run four years of cross country I will buy you your dream car, a vintage 1965 Red Mustang.  I give him that look that only a teenage daughter can perfect-- and I respond with "Dad you've got to be crazy." 

Although, I was in love with the idea of my Dad buying me the car of my dreams, I was equally horrified by the torture that would come to me by running cross country for four years.  Needless to say I turned him down on the offer.  (And I think he only offered it because he knew that I would say no anyway!) 

Many years later in college I decided to take up running on my own terms and actually enjoyed it.  Although, I am a very slow runner, I know the benefits out weigh the pain it takes to build up endurance. 

Fast forward to 2011.  At 6 weeks pregnant with Ezra I ran a 13.1 miles in a a half marathon, then at 6 weeks postpartum its time for the Turkey Trot.  Not just any Turkey Trot, but the 10th Annual Turkey Trot.  I really wanted to run, but I had to face the fact that I would endure alot of discomfort, in the end I managed to run 2 miles.

It was a great year with a turn out of over 200 people, which came to run and also support the recognition of Coach Cranford, the Cross Country and Track coach for Bleckley County High School.  (He would have been my coach if I had taken my Dad up on the offer.)



Mr. Smith announcing the recognition of Coach Cranford



I love this picture because it looks like Richard is preaching at a revival!



Eliza has her hat on and she's ready to participate in her 3rd Turkey Trot.



Mr. Smith and Coach Cranford

 

The Davis Clan - Turkey Trot 2011





Thanks to Josh Wilson, owner of Dixie Landscaping we had Turkey Trot T-Shirts this year!



Also, as a surprise my parents were recognized this year. They received a plaque that reads: On behalf of your friends, family and neighbors, we would like to present this plaque to Richard and Dee Davis in appreciation for promoting health, fitness and fun by sponsoring the annual turkey trot for the past ten years. Thank you for devoting your time, talents, energy and financial resources to this event.

Thanks Mom and Dad!  Dad, if you are up for negotiating a new deal, I'm all game!