On Saturday I was blessed enough to run a race in memorial of PA State Trooper Kenton Iwaniec. This race is in honor of an amazing (24 year old) man who had his life stolen in 2008 by a selfish drunk driver. He was a trooper, son, brother, and fiancée. All of that was taken away from him and his loved ones by a dumb decision. I encourage you to read his story on his website.
I was in tears most of the morning because of all of the special people at this race who truly care about getting rid of drunk driving. I wish I could explain more, but i’m just really upset and speechless. Please keep his family in your prayers.
This race led me to think about this scripture in Ecclesiastes:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
*I suppose all that I can say it that I don’t know WHY things like this happen, but they are in God’s plan and there is a time for everything under the heavens.*
Needless to say, I was so happy to participate in this special, special event. Did anyone catch the weather in Pittsburgh this morning? 50mph winds SAY WHAT?! I am seriously NOT exaggerating.
Along with the 50mph winds was also some insane pelting rain and hail. My sister and I felt pretty hard core. 😉 Hannah ran the 5k and I ran the 10k.
Can you spot us?! (Pink jacket and brown jacket!!) About 2,000 people showed up (despite the wicked weather) to race and honor Kenton.
I honestly have never ran in weather like this before and it was a blast and just super crazy!! I felt like I was running in place for the whole race.
So there ^ is my time. I’m sure it isn’t great (this was my 1st 10k) but I don’t care. I wasn’t there to run for myself and the weather was insane 🙂
Hannah and I both placed 1st in our age groups.
After the race we headed home, ate lunch and I literally did homework all day today. But it feels so good to be a little bit caught up in the academic department. Woot! Tomorrow we have family coming in from upstate NY. This should be a very fun week!
Do you ever feel sooo relieved once you get caught up with hw/work/house work? Or am I just weird… ? LOL 😉
Have a great rest of the weekend!!
Living My Full Life 
That’s so awful that a good man like him was killed because of somebody else’s ridiculous decision. 😦 In my town we have been having an annual race for a biker that was killed on the road a few years back (maybe 5?). It’s always been like the biggest race and triathlon in town but I don’t think they’re doing it again this year. 😦
Good job to you both! That’s not a bad time at all and first place is awesome! 🙂 Haha if you raced here you’d probably be like the fastest overall.
It’s so sad his life was taken instantly by such a self-fish driver! Really upsetting. But you did a wonderful job! Have a great time with family. 🙂
You and your sister are really terrific to participate in this event in his honor, and it’s kind of you to post this tribute. If you can get even one person to reconsider, imagine the lives you have changed!
oh wow , that is so sad, but so awesome about the race in memory of him!
Congrats on the race!!!!! xoxo
what a great way to honor him. Run for a reason!
What a great way to honor someone, congrats girl!!!!! you are so thoughful 🙂
That wind was intense! Too bad it couldn’t have been to your back the whole time!
What a touching/amazing race to run.
Ok, so you place first in your age group and then say you’re not sure if that was a good time?! Crazy girl!! My best 10k time (I’ve only done 2!) was like 51:50ish so you’re amazing girlie:) Congratulations running such a special + honorable race!
Wow. This just seriously made my day. What a wonderful cause and a very apt Bible verse for the occasion! I feel like I may start crying!
Nice job on getting first, too! Your trophy room must be just overflowing! You have a gift my friend 🙂
Um. What part of NY and can I tag along with them. That is seriously awesome running for such a great cause. Those types of races are always worth so much more than the actual race.
They are from Gloversville, NY… kinda near Johnstown.. Utica is a few hrs away. Ummm 🙂 I asked my aunt if she knew how close Potsdam was and she said 2-3 hrs LOL. I should visitttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a truly wonderful way to celebrate and remember a life tragically cut short 😦
What a FABULOUS way to remember such a tragic event!!
I teach with Debby and offered to help. So…. some teachers and my Kids for Christ kids gave out water at the 2 mile mark….they had a blast….then viewed the “booths”….I know the events of the day and the people they met have changed them…blessings to all who helped and those who ran…
How awesome!! I am so glad the kids had a fun time. It was truly a touching event!