Getting Ready to Race

I've been waiting to buy new shoes because running shoes are muy $$$ if you get the good kind. BUT after walking for Sudan yesterday

(and getting a really cute t-shirt with the quote "Leave your footprint on the other side of the world" on it)

and feeling pain in my shins only 1/4 mile in, I realized I really need new shoes!

So today I went to Meijer in hopes of finding some good shoes at a decent price. I usually opt for the asics, my last shoes are asics... and the asics I tried on were nice and comfy. But there were these adidas shoes that were black and PINK and I thought - that is very appropriate for the Race for the Cure. And they just look way cool.

I got home, laced up, and ran out the door. I ran a little under 2 miles in 18 minutes... not quite a 5K, but I RAN the entire time. That is what counts. We have a 5K coming up on Halloween here in Alger Heights that I am going to run, so I am going to try that course this week before Saturday.

As I was running today, and wanting to stop, these are some of the thoughts that went through my head:

I am going to run in honor of my friend Paulette who was only recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has attacked this cancer head on in ways that I only hope I could do if faced with the same situation! Basically she rocks and if she can go through surgery and whatever comes next with a positive attitude, I can run 3.1 miles!

I am running in memory of my friend Courtney's aunt who died bravely fighting breast cancer and for her other female family members who have fought and won the battle (I need to get all their names so I can put them on my bib!)

I am running for all of those who have been affected by CANCER period... my cousin-in-law Peter died after a 5+ year fight against cancer... he was 27.

As I was thinking about what this race is for, it struck me as funny... I am also running for my boobies. Yes people - they are what have expanded and contracted in ways I never knew possible, and I never thought much of them until now. They provide my beautiful baby with much needed nutrition. This disease takes that away from many women. That was pretty flooring for me - you never know how or when you or a loved one may be affected by something unexpected like cancer.

So I can run 3.1 miles with my sandbags - they are what I am running for! These two and all the other pairs our there...

Especially those that are fighting, have fought, or will fight this disease!