Inaugural Team RWB 5k

A little late but here's my race report.... On Saturday November 7, 2015 I ran in the Inaugural Team RWB 5k. Team RWB's mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. If you aren't familiar with Team RWB go to their webpage to learn more. I joined Team RWB earlier this year after learning about them through a friend. I kept seeing all these shirts with the eagle and Team RWB on them at local runs and wanted to know more. Glad I asked. What a great way to help our veterans, and those currently serving, be active in the community! I have met so many great people in the short time that I have been affiliated with the local chapter. 

I can't say I know what it's like to be a veteran or to serve in our military. I am not a veteran. I have not served in the military. I have several family members who served, including my father and brothers who served in the army. I have seen how hard it has been for one of my brothers to re-integrate back in to society after his military service. It hasn't been easy for him as it hasn't for many veterans. Being part of Team RWB is just one way to help. There are other ways but for me, it made sense to be part of a group that uses physical activity to help veterans. Running is something I enjoy and it has certainly helped me through some difficult times in my life. I can see how it might help veterans who are struggling. So, even though I had run only 2 times since being injured in August, I laced up my shoes and joined my fellow eagles for the Inaugural Team RWB 5k. What I love about Team RWB is it doesn't matter if you are fast or slow, everyone is included and no one is left behind! If you have been to a running event lately and noticed a large group running or walking in with the final finisher and wondered who made up that group... that's Team RWB. #NoOneLeftBehind #EagleUp

Here's some images from the race:

The Team RWB tent is a fixture at local runs. 

Gathering at the start....

Start and Finish Line were one and the same.

A common site in any run is a veteran or current military member carrying the American Flag or a  military branch flag. There were many in the Team RWB 5k.

Eagles heading out to bring in the last runner....

Second to last group. Derek Mitchell is in this group. If you don't know his story, he is inspiring and is a fixture among Team RWB.

 

Team RWB bringing in the final finisher. I'm in there somewhere....

 

The flag was offered and accepted by the final finisher as he nears the finish line. 

Although Team RWB brings in the final finisher, we leave the moment of the finish line for the finisher to enjoy. 

The medals are ready!

Bling anyone?

The Team RWB mission statement is on the back of the medal. Nice!

It's Our Turn

As for my race.... It wasn't my fastest 5k but surprisingly it wasn't my slowest either. Finished in 35:56 for a pace of  11:35 per mile. Not bad for not running for 2 months. I didn't have any pain in my hamstring so I am hopeful to resume running regularly again soon.

Me just after I crossed the starting line....

Crossing the finish line....