Remembering Chelsea

Today marks the day of my return to running. I haven't run in over 2 weeks due to the stomach flu and how it stuck around for an extra week after I thought I had recovered. On the plate today is 2 miles, just to ease back into things and make sure I still have legs and lungs worthy of actually running.

Friday I head out to San Diego to race in the Inaugural Finish Chelsea's Run. I am thrilled to be taking part in such a beautiful way to remember and honor Chelsea King. For those of you that don't know, Chelsea King was a bright 17 year old who embraced life to its fullest. Chelsea loved to run and on February 25th last year headed out on a training run where she fell victim to a horrible crime. As a Mother, it's completely unimaginable to even think of losing a child, it's difficult even for me a year later to try and process what happened to Chelsea. I worked with Chelsea's Dad at World Savings/Wachovia and their loss and their courage to fight each and every day to make sure our children are safe is inspiring. Passed in a record six months Chelsea's Law creates a true one-strike penalty for violent sexual offenders who target children. Chelsea's Light Foundation is working on passing Chelsea's Law in additional states.

A few weeks after Chelsea's death, several of her friends decided to go and finish her run to remember her. Word quickly spread and 3500 turned out to finish Chelsea's run. This year marks the first Inaugural Finish Chelsea's Run. Money raised from this event will go towards the Sunflower Scholarship Fund. The Scholarships will be awarded to teens who embrace everything that was important to Chelsea, including her "service over self" motto.

I run for Chelsea on Saturday.