Rob and Lisa Marsh Family

Okay, this is long overdue, since this race happened in May... but better late than never, right?

As you probably already know, our son, Austin was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 5 months ago and life has never been the same. It's been different. In some ways worse, some ways better, some ways just... different. Definitely more difficult, but we have all grown because of it, so I would have to say that we are thankful for it.

After Rob and I were starting to overcome our initial shock with everything, we both felt an overwhelming need to show our little man our support in his new life. I saw a flyer for a 5k run that his Diabetes Clinic was going to be hosting and suggested that to Rob, he loved the idea and offered to sign us up right away. As the race day drew closer we mentioned to a few family members what we were doing and they offered to join, we were very touched.

Rob used all his chances for running as an outlet for his pain and frustration for what Austin was going through. I think it was very therapeutic for him. I found comfort in information and read blogs and talked to as many other diabetic parents as I could.

Race day hit and Rob was pumped, I thought I was going to puke, but we set off with Rob's sister, Kristee, and nephew Trevor running with us. When we arrived, I REALLY thought I was going to puke as I looked around at all the "real" runners. I was laughing to myself at the thought of how quickly all these people were going to leave me in the dust!

Rob's parents brought our kids down to see us run, and Rob's niece brought her kids down to cheer us all on as well. So with quick kisses blown to our little cheering crowd we started our run! Holy crap! Salt Lake City has got some SERIOUS hills!!

Rob finished the run at 27 minutes, winning a medal for 2nd place for all the 20-something's! Trevor did awesome coming in just a few minutes after. I finished at 38 minutes!! (all I wanted was to beat 40 so I was thrilled) but the very best part was coming up on the final stretch and seeing our family members there cheering us on, then once I'd crossed the finish line Austin gave me a great big hug and I can't put into words how those precious moments felt.

I am so glad that we did it. I do think all you marathon runners are INSANE, a 5k was plenty for me! We definitely want to turn this into an annual tradition, so if you live in Utah and would like to- come join TEAM AUSTIN next year at the Utah Diabetes Center 5k fun run. All the proceeds go to help diabetic patients who have no other way to pay for their care. We are hoping that Team Austin continues to grow, maybe next year we can do shirts or something for all the runners and cheering crew (we'll have to see how we're doing on these medical bills!) it would be cute to have little pink ones or something for Austin's two sweet sisters!

I hope that Austin can feel of our love and support for him. He is a courageous little guy and we could not be prouder of how strong he is being with all of his new challenges.