RACE FOR THE CURE - My first 5k!

For years, Chip has been trying to get me to enter a 5k. Walk - run - he didn't care. I have proudly cheered him on in several 5k's, half marathons, and even three marathons! He just loves the environment, the people, and how it makes him feel. Although the desire has always been there, I just never DID it - you know, that's how it is with lots of things, right? Well, I guess he was tired of waiting, cause he went ahead and signed me up and told me he hoped I was ready to participate a 5k in a couple of weeks! I don't think he'll ever know how much I appreciate that, cause I already can't wait for the next one! But next time, I'll be up with the runners, instead of with the walkers in the back.

Here I am, waiting for my ride with my banana smoothie! I was excited, and for some reason a bit nervous too, even though it was no longer than I walk every day. Although I was with the walkers, I ran as much as I could - it was hard! I was glad when I was running and I would come to a crowd that was impossible to get through, cause I had to stop running and walk till I could find another gap to run again!

The kids surprised me with signs they had made for me to see when I passed. They said things like "Mom, you rock" and "Keep on Going" and "Go mom, Go!" Ofcourse I got emotional when I saw them. Chip was my biggest supporter and called me several times on the course to see how I was doing, and to tell me that he was proud of me!

What a great feeling to be there with 13,000 other people, all there uniting for the same cause, and all with someone in mind who has suffered from, or who is suffering with breast cancer.

Everyone wore a pink paper on their backs that said either "In memory of" or "In celebration of" with the names of people they were racing for. My friend, who I went with, ran for a close friend who just passed away 2 months ago from breast cancer. She was only 35 and left behind her husband and young son. So, on my back, I had her name, and Granny, who I remember saying goodbye to in the hospital when I was 8 years old. She too had breast cancer.

It was a wonderful day. I will be participating every year!

What an amazing experience that I wish I had a long time ago. But here's to new goals, and many more 5k's, and who knows what else in the future! Thank you Chip!