Shelly Family: Wanna Race?

Last Saturday morning Dec 2nd.... It was about 26 degrees and I was sweating like crazy. I participated in the St Jude / Grizzly House 5K. I started training about 2 months prior since I haven't used my chair that much over the past few years, except around the house. I was pretty nervous getting down there since I have never been in a race before. I got a 5 min start on the runners, which didn't make that much of a difference. It was pretty cool they gave me my own count down and the Mascot for the Memphis Grizzlies was out there. I was the only wheelchair for the 5K race.
There where a few that did the Half Marathon, but they had the nice racing chairs.

About 5 mins into the course I picked up 2 motorcycle cops that flanked me the whole way. That was really neat. I shot the bull with them in between sucking in air. The hills of downtown Memphis gave me a good challenge... but catching those down hills were alot of fun. All in all it was tough... I was tired afterwards... sore the next day..... but I had such a blast. I would like to get a racing chair and someday build up to a full marathon, but that will be down the road if at all. I do think regardless of anything I would like to atleast do this 5K every year. It is for a GREAT cause.www.memphismarathon.com I am trying to decide if i would like to tackle the Little Rock 5K in March. I have a feeling the hills will be worse there!... I'll keep you updated.

Enjoy the pics.....

Approaching the finishline