It is not too often that I am kissed by a horse. Let alone during a 5K race.

For the first time in my life, the finish line was not my goal. My goal was to enjoy Turtle Bay’s “pristine, forested shoreline,” as they described it on the event page. What I was to experience was unexpected.

Along the trail, I saw a couple of women taking photos with a horse. I asked one of them if they could take my photo too. She took my photo, and while I stood there, the horse leaned over and kissed me on the head several times. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Such a beautiful animal, who allowed me to take its portrait.

Patience is definitely a virtue. Instead of rushing to get the finish line, I also took the time to enjoy my surroundings. I noticed a sea turtle cruising on the reef. When I asked others if they saw the turtle along the course, they curiously replied back, “What TURTLE? Where?”

Another beautiful realization that I had during this 5K race is that two different worlds CAN exist next to each other. The impossible IS possible.

While I was at High Valley Ranch in California just a few weeks ago, I remembered wanting a ranch as a little girl. I loved animals and wanted a place big enough so I could have several dogs. “Wouldn’t this be so cool if the ranch was near a beach though? And no rattlesnakes in sight?” I thought. But in California, the ocean was too far in the distance and rattlesnakes lurked in the tall grass. Who knew just a week later I would discover a place that did exist: a beautiful ranch right next to the ocean on the island I lived on. I was in Heaven.

Our awesome team of women runners, and half of our Bankoh Brunettes Team!

I eventually finished the race, coming in last out of our group of friends (LOL!), but it didn’t really matter to me. I was excited and couldn’t wait to share my experience and photos with them. When I approached the finish line, I recognized the familiar faces of my loved ones. As I ran by them, they cheered me on. Even the event announcer called out my name over the microphone. That was pretty cool and inspiring. It made me feel wonderful.

  

Last, but not least, sh#t happens everywhere. When I saw this pile of manure on the sand by the beach, I couldn’t help but think of my loved ones from Team 541, the great times we had and chuckled to myself. I will never look at a pile of poop ever the same. Love you all!