race for the cure '08. done.

Yesterday I ran the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and I won!

No, of course I didn't, but I did complete my first 5k run (probably ever)! We woke up at 5:00am and headed for Hunt Valley. I didn't know what to expect when we arrived, but I did know that it was very very cold outside. The "race village" as they called it, was such a cool thing. There were tons of different organizations and companies giving out breast cancer awareness information and selling merchandise. Panera gave out free bagels, Yoplait provided free yogurt, Evian gave out water bottles and fruit, and so much more. There were thousands of people, decked out in pink, waiting to fulfill their pledge to run (or walk) the 3.1 miles in support of finding a cure. There were SO many women wearing t-shirts which signified that they were survivors of breast cancer. I wanted to hug all of them.

Here we are, just before the race started.I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to run the whole thing straight through (because I am a wimp), but I kept a steady tortoise pace and ran the whole thing! Ben took a picture of me half way through, which he was able to do because, again, my pace was sloooow and steady.It was such a cool thing to be a part of. As we ran through the town of Hunt Valley, different cheerleaders and high school bands lined up along the road to cheer us on. It was funny, but kind of encouraging at the same time. Businesses in the area had banners outside of their buildings supporting the race. McCormick spice company is in Hunt Valley, so we smelled sage and tarragon for most of the race!

I didn't realize that he took this picture at the time (I was very focused) but here I am nearing the finish line. (woo!) I know you can't read it, but the pink paper pinned to my back under my number says "I race in memory of: My Mom". It was really cool to me to see the other pink sheets pinned to other's backs. They had lists of family members and friends who they were either running in memory of or in celebration of.

I'll be honest, I am glad I did this and I am excited to do it again, and maybe even other races. Or a marathon. No, no, of course I wouldn't actually do a marathon!