BIG Update!

This has really been a wild past few weeks. Casey and I took a quick, weekend trip to Destin a week or so ago. We took the 3 puppies to the kennel, and Mom took care of the rest at home. There was a bad incident, while we were gone. One morning, Mom let Shiloh out to potty. She was right on the side of the street and the yard. A car came flying up the street and hit her on the side of the road!! They didn't even stop!! So, we had to let our sweet, sweet Shiloh cross the Rainbow Bridge. We loved and miss her very much!!

RIP Sweet Shiloh



Despite the bad news, as soon as we got to Destin, we tried to have a good time anyway. Here's some shots from the trip.


Public beaches at Destin.




Beach at Henderson State Park.




Casey napping on the beach.

Me attempting to go Boogie Boarding!


On Saturday night, we had dinner at McGuire's Irish Pub. It was absolutely delicious! We had the 18 cent Senate Bean soup and the Shepherd's pie. We also had their yummy, home brewed Raspberry Wheat beer. The entertainment was hysterical, and everyone was signing old, Irish drinking songs. I really can't wait to go back there!

Enjoying the brew at McGuire's.


It was a very short vacation, and we were soon back home and back to work. The following Saturday, I had my annual Fenton Payne & Fred 5K race. All summer I've been swimming and doing circuit training, but I really haven't been doing any distance running. I ended up being faster than last year!! I really have improved my endurance the past year! This is always my very favorite 5K, and I had a great time! I again ran for Special Kids as a part of Team A.S.K. My child partner was Olivia, and she was such a sweetheart. Olivia suffers from a rare lung disease called NEHI.

Here's me and Olivia.


Race shots.
Just crossed the finish.




School starts tomorrow, and I'm back in school. So, I'm definitely going to have a busy fall with Celebration Pet Day, School, and swimming Blue Wave Raiders Masters Team again this year! We've got 2 home meets scheduled this year; one for Fall and one for Spring. So, it's busy, busy, busy for me!!

Cross Training

I run to cross train for swimming. Every year, I sign up for local 5K races, to keep me on track. This morning, I participated in the 7th annual Fenton Payne & Fred 5K. I ran as a part of Team ASK (Athlete's for Special Kids) Special Kids is a Christian based organization that provides skilled nursing, skilled care, and therapy for children, regardless of their ability to pay. Team ASK runners raise funds for this non-profit children's charity.

I had an AWESOME race this morning!! Despite the heat, I felt great all the way through!! This past Thursday, I got to meet my child partner, Reeyan, and his family. That's when it hit me how wonderful it is being part of Team A.S.K (Athlete's for Special Kids). These families are so very appreciative of the support of Special Kids. It was truly a moving experience. I plan to race for Team Ask from here on out!! Here's some shots from this morning's race, the 7th Annual Fenton Payne & Fred 5K.

Pre-race at the Team A.S.K. (Athlete's for Special Kids)



Running for the finish line.




Post race feeling good!


Post race traditional goofy pose!


Post race at the Team A.S.K. booth.

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I'm Running for Special Kids

Hi everyone!

I am a member of Team A.S.K. (Athletes for Special Kids)! Team ASK is a Christian endurance training program developed to help adults and children achieve their athletic goals while changing lives for children receiving services at Special Kids. Special Kids provides skilled nursing care, therapy, and assistance to children regardless of their ability to pay.

My 5K race, (The Fenton Payne & Fred 5K) is this coming Saturday. I'm am racing personally for a child named Reeyan, who receives services from Special Kids.



My fundraising goal has been set and I am hoping that you will support my efforts by making a donation. I know that times are tight, but even just a dollar would help!

To make a donation, you can either:

Click this link http://teamask.org/athlete/cheryl-richardson and donate online using your credit card, or

or

Write a check payable to "Team A.S.K.", referencing my Athlete Number 641 and mailing it to: Team A.S.K., 202 Arnette Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130.

All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Team A.S.K. will use the money raised to fund:

* Establishing new programs for the children at Special Kids of Tennessee.
* Continued services for its 350+ children

Thank you,
Cheryl Richardson