Monday, May 11, 2009

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......

15 comments:

Sue said...

Way to go!!

I saw those t-shirts on t.v. how cute were they?

Kristina P. said...

That's so great that you did this! I want to do it next year.

LaurieJ said...

Next Year. Definitely!

Deena said...

This is so great. I just started running. Hopefully I'll stay motivated enough to be able to run it next year.

Karen said...

It was fun to see you there, even if you didn't realize it was me calling your name. Did Splenda realize who it was chatting with him? I didn't even think to introduce myself. Duh! Ladies, if I can walk it with 10 stitches in my shin, you can walk it too. I was a WONDERFUL experience!

Sher said...

Way to go! Maybe one day when I'm not training for a marthon, I should do this race.

Sher said...

p.s. i think we should have a blogger meet and greet 5k. How fun would that be?!!!

Becca said...

So much to say...

One day I will run that race.

I can't even tell you how cool I think Splenda is.

Love the cape

Way cute race shirt

I love you.

Done!

Devri said...

ok don't shoot me, I am starting to exercise again first thing Wed..

you inspire me, you rock, and dang it girl, you are a hot chick!

Karen said...

We do a walk-athon on October for Breast Cancer. Last year we walked - as an entire family and friends - in honor of my mother who is a 2 year survivor. We hope to walk with her for many, many years to come.

rychelle said...

i've been doing this race (in vegas) for the past 10 years or so, but i "slept in for the cure" this year beacuse my race buddy moved away.

Vanessa said...

My sister in laws ran for my MIL who has been cancer free for a year. I'll see you there next year!

kado! said...

I ♥ that "save 2nd base!" looks like a great event!

Omgirl said...

I actually wanted to come to this race. But instead I nursed a dying husband back from the brink of death, aka strep.

tiburon said...

sadly no mention of the awesome jogging stroller...