Kirby Derby

Last Fall, our office changed health insurance carriers. Shortly after, representatives came in to talk to us about their wellness program. Quite interesting! I’d never heard of a carrier doing something like this. There are several ways that you can earn points to “buy” products such as MP3 players, digital cameras, movies, gift certificates, etc. – all just by participating in various things.

I know that may sound confusing, but basically, you earn points for having a yearly physical, donating blood, getting certified in CPR & First Aid, etc. – you get the picture. Another way to earn points is by participating in a public fitness event, so we signed up to participate in the 1st Annual Kirby Derby in Monticello – the 5K “Walk” (or 3.1 miles - of course there was no use trying to convince myself I could do the Run). Mom and Aunt Cheryl even agreed to join us.

The race starts and ends in at Forest Preserve Park and runs through scenic State Street and downtown Monticello, IL. It was a very beautiful, brisk morning, but I was still excited about participating – just the feeling that I was doing something healthy for myself.

It’s 08:00 – “Runners get ready….” Seriously, the walkers get to start about 5 minutes later.
Well...I finished. Actually we all finished in about 53:01.9 minutes. That may not seem like a great endeavor given I can usually walk 2 miles in about 30 minutes, BUT I was pulling about 50-60 pounds in wagon and child behind me. At one point, I even caught PJ putting his feet on the tires, dragging them, so it was slowing me down. Uuuggghh!

Mom didn’t actually get to “finish” the race, but she was with us in spirit. We were returning just as the Kids Races were starting, so she darted off with PJ so he could participate.

By the time Aunt Cheryl & I crossed the “official” finish line for the 5K Walk, PJ was already done running his race and scrambling to find me in the crowd to show me the medal he won. He was so proud. He practically took it everywhere with him the first week he had it.