I rummaged through my drawer to see what clean running clothes I had to wear. I took my time getting dressed and then woke Baby rUnladylike up at 7:30 a.m. We all went downstairs for our normal breakfast routine. Banana, eggs, toast. We even read a book before putting on her minture running outfit and pint-sized Sauconys.

It was race morning, but it definitely didn’t look or feel like my typical pre-race routine.

There was no setting an alarm or waking up at an absurdly inappropriate time. There were no carefully laid running outfits on my closet floor when I awoke. There was no Aquaphor application or bibs to pin on my tank top. There were no timing chips or finisher’s chutes. With my husband, daughter, mom and our trusty running stroller packed into our SUV, we left our house just 30 minutes before the 9 a.m. start of the #FinnsFight Family 5K hosted by FIT4MOM Tampa Bay and the owner of Baby rUnladylike’s school. We arrived to a crowd of families wearing superhero capes, ready to run for an amazing little boy named Finn.

It was running and the running community at its finest.

Finn, a fun loving five-year-old in our local community, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma just days after starting Kindergarten. This rare type of cancer occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. Finn has bravely undergone surgeries, chemotheraphy and more doctor visits and hospital stays than any human being should have to experience in a lifetime. All proceeds from the race went directly to Finn and his family to help them fuel Finn’s fight.

Baby rUnladylike’s teacher yelled GO! and we were off. I hadn’t even turned on my Garmin (or thought about making sure the GPS was ready). I told you, this was not like a typical race morning. I fumbled with my watch which finally found a signal after 0.25 miles. The race was four laps around a nearby mall connected to our community school. Mr. rUnladylike and I took turns pushing the stroller every other lap. We started out quick. I didn’t get an accurate split for the first mile, but it was probably around 7:15 pace. I slowed considerably during the second mile (7:50) thanks to pushing the stroller and allowing the heat and humidity to catch up to me. But I found another gear for the final mile. Maybe it was all the sweet kids in their yellow shirts sprinting with their parents. Maybe it was the kind families and volunteers who waved as we passed by wearing their superhero masks. Maybe it was Finn, who was in the hospital that morning and couldn’t be there, but whose spirit was all around us. We finished with an average pace of 7:36. There was no finish line to cross or official race times to check. Heck, the course was actually 3.5 miles instead of 3.1, but it was the happiest and most fulfilled I’ve felt running a race in a long time.

Baby rUnladylike eagerly greeted my mom as she finished after us. She’s really getting the hang of this spectator thing.

There was a wonderful breakfast buffet waiting for us at the finish, along with an area for all the kids to make cards for Finn. It was a true and authentic example of the strength of community. Families gathered together for a morning of connection to help our neighbors. It was a beautiful thing to see kids and families fully present and so excited to be running and spending time together.

After everyone was refueled, a local children’s entertainer (Mr. Tommy Presents) performed for the kids. It was such a fantastic cherry on top of a wonderful race morning.

Midway through the performance, he gave all the children a jingle bell. He told them that “when you ring your bell, picture Finn feeling well.” There were very few dry eyes in the crowd.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on all the many blessings in our lives, I’m holding Finn and his sweet family in my heart. During this season of gratitude, this week, on #GivingTuesday next week and in the months ahead, I hope you will find ways to support your own community and the individuals and families you share your town and running paths with. Please consider making a donation to support #FinnsFight.

As I always say, running is so much more than just running. It is a way to honor people we care about, fight back against diseases and issues that leave us feeling helpless and give thanks for the gifts we are so blessed to share. I’m wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving week with your loved ones. Please keep Finn in your thoughts, prayers and donations.

How has running helped you honor someone special or make a difference in your community?