September 25, 2016 Team Optiform sponsored and participated in the AUSA Indy Ten-Miler

Why did we pick this particular race to support?

Jim Middleton’s twin sons, Sean and Matt, are members of the Capital Warrior Battalion Student Association and the Student Association of Army ROTC Cadets at IUPUI. What father wouldn’t want to support his kids, let alone for a cause that resonates with him as a United States Military Veteran? This is among the few reasons that we chose this event. Jim and his boys are avid hikers and backpackers. They have hiked and backpacked around the nation; most recently in the Grand Tetons. Sharon, Jim’s wife, told us of the times when the boys were really little and they would go on family vacations and the boys always wanted to be hiking right along with their dad. As little as they were, they always kept right up with Jim. This race on Sunday was a little different; they let Jim keep up with them!

Jim, Sean, Matt, and Shannon’s son Jordan, all participated in the most extreme segment of the AUSA Indy Ten-Miler: The 10 Mile Ruck Sack Race. With ruck sacks ranging in weights of 35 to 55 pounds, the boys all completed the full 10 mile race, running approximately 3 miles of it with these massive packs on their backs! I give them major kudos for doing so. I only did the 5 mile walk and my feet were achy. These guys are amazing.

Anyhow,  we had a LOT of fun and we got a few pictures to prove it. Those that participated were:

1. Jim Middleton
2. Sharon Middleton (placed 1st in her age group for the 5-miler)
3. Matt Middleton
4. Sean Middleton
5. Shannon Crane
6. Jordan Crane
7. Brittney Crane (placed 3rd in her age group for the 5-miler)
8. Tiffany Crane
9. Laurie Johnson (placed 2nd in her age group for the 5-miler)
10. Bob Johnson
11. Maggie Walsh
12. Aaron Schafer (placed 2nd in his age group for the 5-miler)
13. Nicki Laycoax

Until next year!

Optiform was the Premier sponsor of the event!

Look closely – you’ll see our names on the back!

Matt, Jim, and Sean Middleton

Tiffany, Brittney, and Shannon Crane, Laurie and Bob Johnson, Nicki Laycoax, and Maggie Walsh

And we’re off!

Tiffany & Shannon Crane – daughter-in-law / mother-in-law bonding

Maggie Walsh and Sharon Middleton

The 10 milers: Matt, Sean, and Jim Middleton and Jordan Crane

Go Brittney!

Nicki Laycoax, Laurie Johnson, Sharon Middleton, Aaron Schafer, and Bob Johnson on the Canal: We are Indy!

Our top finishers! Brittney Crane, Laurie Johnson, Bob Johnson, and Sharon Middleton

Jordan Crane, Matt, Jim, and Sean Middleton

Most of our crew after the race! Matt, Sean, Jim, Sharon, Shannon, Aaron, Nicki, Jordan, Tiffany, and Brittney. We took too long to take our picture, so Maggie is missing. 🙂

The awards!