Racing for a Cure

It was a fairly warm, very humid morning for a race. Today, however, was not about speed. It was about mothers and daughters, friends and neighbors, sisters and cousins, aunts and grandmothers, wives and teachers. It was about strength and support, love and respect, a sense of humor and the ability to continue to smile. It was about hats and scarves, hugs and cheerleaders. Yep, you read right, I have never seen so many high school cheerleaders in one place, except maybe the Rose Parade.



My aunt, Julia and my mom, Jane in their T-shirts, ready to walk.


My mom and aunt and I walked the 5K distance. When I suggested this idea to my momma a few months ago, she wasn't sure that she could walk that far. I knew she could. She would never call herself an athlete. However, later in life, she has started to do yoga weekly, walks with my dad in the mornings, and lifts weights at the local fitness club. I even gave her my old iPod and taught her how to use iTunes so she is listening to podcasts about knitting, Garrison Keillor and the Prairie Home Companion, and book reviews. Whatever keeps her going, right? Anyway, I helped her come up with a walking "training" plan. She was doing regular distance walks during the week before she had to go teach and then a long walk on the weekends, that we slowly built up to 3 miles. My dad walked with her many days because it was so dark in the mornings. (Psst, don't tell her I run in the mornings in the dark, ok?)

When we got to the race, she said, "your dad should have come to do this too!" I thought that was awesome. Next year, we will invite the boys. =0)

Anyway, it took us 1:12:58 to walk the 5K at a slower than usual pace. There were over 13,500 people registered to run or walk so that was good to see. It did make it extremely congested though.


All those white shirts for blocks and blocks were walkers and runners!

I decided as we neared the 3 mile mark, that it really is much easier to run. The crowd thins out and you are done WAY sooner. =0)

Anyway, it was a really nice morning for fun with my mom and her sister. I am sure we will do it again next year.