Girls place high in two-mile race

BILLINGS — It was the beginning of the two-mile race as 5,500 women stood in a line going four blocks long. Anticipation was high as the women stood ready to run. "Since we're in the beginning of the line, you girls need to be ready to run and don't stop or you'll be squashed," Renae Pierre told her eight year old daughter Lauren Lefthand and ten year old niece Malia Hamel.

As the race began, the girls did as told and ran with all their strength. "Don't go too fast, just keep it at a steady pace," Renae told the girls. As the race ran on, the girls began feeling tired. "Keep going girls, we'll slow down after a mile," Renae said with encouragement. "I'm going to puke," Malia said before reaching the first mile mark.

A friend of Renae's who had invited the ladies to the race stood on the sidelines with her newborn baby. "Keep going guys you can do it," she would say to encourage the ladies to continue on.

At the end of the race, photos were taken according to the ladies time and amazingly the hard work paid off. Lauren Lefthand of Polson, placed twenty second out of two hundred and twenty participants in the female eight and under category. Malia Hamel of Arlee, placed sixty-first out two hundred and twenty one participants in the female nine to twelve category. Both girls left the race with pride in them selves for finishing.

For Mother's Day weekend, Renae Pierre decided a mother-daughter bonding through physical activity was in order and the Montana Women's Run hosted by Perfect Timing was just the way to do it. The event was for one week and was in the purpose of raising money as well as awareness for women's health issues. "Lauren just rode her bike and played to train for the race. Malia ran a lot with her mom on their treadmill," says Renae.

"I had fun participating in the run and the girls did too. I think it would be awesome to get something like that going around here," says Renae.

For more information on the Montana Women's you visit via web at www.perfect-timing.org.