Race 4 the Cure

You might remember this post about my dedication to this cause. And my own particular inspiration.

Saturday rolled around and it was time to don our pink, lace our shoes and go get inspired.

We had to wake Sissy up at 6:30am. Pleased was she? NOT.ONE.BLOODY.BIT.
Carpooled down with some gymrat friends (Chad and April) and got our place in line. The plan was to run. Sissy in the jogger stroller that I borrowed from the Shark and we'd have a nice little trot going. Did I mention that there were over 18,000 people? Running, even trotting is really not much of an option at the beginning.

The gun went off, and we started to move. Slowly. About two blocks in, Splenda's foot problem that he has had off and on for years reared it's ugly head. And between that and the Sissy being a COMPLETE TWO YEAR BR*T, it just wasn't worth the hassle. He took her and turned around at the mile mark and Chad and I took off.

We began running, weaving our way amongst the other participants. I took the time to look at some of the shirts, the signs, the women and their families. I was wearing my In Memory of....pinned to the back of my shirt. As I approached a woman who was seriously struggling to jog, I noticed that she had three tags pinned to her back and a list of names all the way down. I slowed up, keeping Chad in one eye, but trying to read her back with the other. I couldn't make out the names, but I heard her. Sobbing. This was personal for her. Just one glance told me she was not a usual athlete. Not a gym goer, not an exerciser. But she was there now, pushing her large legs the best she could. And sobbing. I kept going, caught back up with Chad and we sprinted the rest of the race.

As we waited at the end of the chute for everyone else to meet up, I people watched and chatted with Chad. I saw some awesome shirts. "Save the ta-ta's" "Breast Jordan" I even got Chloee a shirt (she's wearing in the picture) that says "When I grow up, there will be a cure." But I think my all time favorite was "Save second base".

We took a few minutes to wander the vendor booths and grab some freebies. Still checking out families, shirts, and signs. I even scored this cool cape

What a great morning. What a great cause. What an inspiration these women and their families are. Yes, it was horrid doing the Sissy wrestling battle, but I still left with a heart full of gratitude and admiration.

Plan on next year friends, it's always Mother's day weekend......