2010 Events Calendar

• APRIL 25^TH , 2010    TIMES COLONIST /THRIFTY FOODS RACE – VICTORIA, BC
• MAY 16^TH, 2010       OAK BAY KOOL FM  KIDS RACE  – VICTORIA, BC
• JUNE   2010             SD #63 TRACK MEET  + OPERATION TRACKSHOES – VICTORIA, BC
• SEPT. 5^TH, 2010       DISNEYLAND 5KM + KIDS RACE  -  ANAHEIM, CA
• OCT. 15^TH, 2010      BRAIDEN TURNS 12 YEARS OLD!!
• OCT   2010               ROYAL VICTORIA KIDS RUN – VICTORIA, BC

SPECIAL CHALLENGE -       

On behalf of Braiden,  Linda will participate in her first

SPRINT TRIATHLON  JUNE 20^TH, 2010  AT ELK LAKE – VICTORIA, BC. 

Hopefully,  this experience will inspire accommodations in the future that will allow Linda + Braiden to participate as a team!

This was an amazing event to be a part of plus it was Braiden’s first race away from home too. It was another beautiful day and Nathan, Braiden, Dean and myself all made the trip over as the amazing & proud members of “TEAM BRAIDEN”! We sported our sweatshirts of course and added hats this time as well.

This Race was unique for all of us as it was a 3 km walk or 5km run. So we worked as a team to accomplish the 3km walk. The walk started inside Swangard Stadium on the track. Braiden started his adventure on his own steam on the track then raced up a little hill to exit the stadium. After leaving the stadium, a trail led us through a beautiful path. Braiden took a ride in his stroller through the next 2km wilderness trail. He enjoyed a 4 wheelin’ speed ride with Daddy at the controls. As we came closer to the entrance of the stadium, Brady was ready to take his place on the track and race to the finish line. He was so excited and even had a little tumble…but he got back up and kept going like any true champion! Back in Swangard, Braiden completed the final lap in style with his trademark smile and his inspiring spirit. Braiden was one of 3500 participants in the 1st annual walk for awareness. We hope to return next year to take part again – but plan to double the number of team members for

“TEAM BRAIDEN”

Having fun! Way to Go Braiden!

It was finally time to count down – 5,4,3,2,1 GO!  Braiden went for it and with the help of his ‘scream power’  he made it through the first few feet without getting trampled by the sea of kids, parents, & strollers.  It was great to see him go for it with no fear and a huge smile as his body moved down the street as fast as his legs could take him on this day.  Dean and I think this was his personal best time of under 30 minutes.  Braiden did not need to take as many breaks, he stayed focused on finding that checkered motorcycle and found the finish line on his own.  He was happy and free out on the streets of Victoria and many spectators and other athletes showed their support by encouraging him to the finish.  This was Braiden’s 6th race this year, yet I have to admit, I still caught myself holding the tears back when he crossed the finish line….it is an emotional journey for all of us who support Braiden’s mission to inspire.  Thank you to Nathan for videotaping his little brother and taking pictures of the main event and all Braiden’s family for cheering and supporting him to the end.  Our family also sported new Sweatshirts for this race to promote awareness to Braiden’s fund raising campaign.

Daddy, mommy and Nathan were shocked at how fast he was going today and how long he kept up that pace without help. It was a warm morning too, so he was working very hard. There were lots of encouraging supporters on the side of the road as we passed. Braiden kept focussed by trying to find the checkered color Motor Police escort vehicle. It was funny but the Police Officers were great.

On the home stretch, we could tell Braiden was tired. It was hard for him to keep going but he did……..he argued a little, laughed a little and used his scream power to help go the distance…..The race announcer encouraged him as he came within 20 m of the line and the crowd was amazing cheering loudly…..i nearly started crying because i know how hard each step is and understand that emotionally it is equally challenging for Braiden. But even after 1 km on his own, he continued to push himself to cross the line, to then retreat to his stroller and his newest toy & trophy.

Prior to Braiden’s race, he noticed that the starter used a gun to start the races. So that took some explaining as to why there needed to be a gun but he organized himself, still didn’t like it, but accepted the fact. He got ready…….ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GUN!!!

Off he went, he did not stop until the finish line; he was determined and got the job done. As a bonus he found toy race cars to reward his efforts. No time to rest and we headed to the ball throw event. Daddy and mommy stand in line while Nathan and Braiden take a tour around the UVIC track and also take a few moments for some needed encouragement from big brother and give each other hugs. Ball throw time brought along the sillies but it was in good fun. Braiden did one really good throw and one really good backward throw – Oops watch out for stray flying balls!! We all laughed and called it a day………

Braiden’s relay teammates showed true sportsmanship in racing with him at the meet and all crossed the finish line together – it was a huge display of teamwork and moment of inspiration. Congratulations Team Lochside! The 100 M dash was Braiden’s fastest race to date……he was a speed demon on this day! Although he finished far behind his fellow racers, he went from start to finish, he was happy & he was free. For those few minutes he was an equal and not limited by anyone or anything…..it was a very special moment and there were many tears of joy as people watched him race. By the end of the day…..Braiden had new friends from other schools, had gained respect from his peers and had inspired all who watched him today. Mom and dad were so very proud!

Thank you to Lochside school and staff who encouraged and supported Braiden to participate with his peers in his own way at the District Meet……and thank you for allowing Braiden to be himself , without limitation.

Prior to the race starting, Braiden got to check out the Police Cars this time and chat with the Police man. He also watched him competitors warm up and could not quite figure what they were doing since the announcer had not yet said the magic words – Mark -Set – Go. So he stood strong in his place at the start line and waited for the “Official’ instructions.

Then it was time…….the race begins! Braiden has a huge smile on his face, screams for extra power and goes super fast! Along the way he takes his breaks to chat to Julia and Daddy and then keeps going…he is travelling at his own pace today, but very happy and it is so cute. AS he rounds the corner and heads down the home stretch, Braiden is encouraged by the ‘fan’s along the finish line; he is also escorted and announced in by the KOOL FM MC – Very Cool. Through the tunnel he reaches Grama and today she has the “MACH 5 CUP” for our special young star. Way to go Braiden! It was a great day and Braiden finished the same way he started- with a smile on his face.

This was Braiden’s longest distance to date at 1.5 Km.  As Braiden’s mom, I was concerned this may be too long for him but without trying there is no possibilities!  So off we went to the start line at the Victoria Legislative Grounds. Braiden was eager to get going once we arrived and took a huge interest in the motor Police that would escort the racers.  It was time to start……Braiden was advised to go to the back of the line because it would be safer, but like his mother, he is a feisty competitor and he was not giving up his front row start position!  He took his stance…..the race organizer announces…..ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!

Braiden shot off the line with the fastest kids and was not intimidated… His plan is to go forward and keep going until the finish line.   He starts out strong and fast taking in all the sights along the race path.  He is in search of the motor Police so this keeps him focussed.   About half way he begins to tire and needs some help so Daddy, mommy and Nathan take turns walking with Braiden and encouraging him.  There are fans along the way that also cheer Braiden on to the finish line.  After some help and a change of pace he gains his second wind and closes in on the finish line…it is an exciting sight…..in the distance we see the end, it is hard for Braiden to push through, exhausted from his efforts as well as from all the emotional excitement  but he keeps going just like he always does……and crosses the line on his own.  It was amazing!  Braiden looks for Grama for she will certainly have a surprise for him…… Today, Braiden is the winner of the “HERBIE CUP”!!  A definite challenge today  but also a rewarding & memorable one.