Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k - Race Review

This past Saturday I was honored to be able to take part in a really *big* 5k race in a neighboring city.  The race benefited breast cancer research and support for Susan G. Komen in the local area.  I knew I had to do this race to celebrate my dear friend Lisa, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago and thus proceeded to kick its a$$.  Even before her diagnosis and now in remission, Lisa's zest for life is immeasurable!  She is one of those jack of all trades.  An avid crafter, like I wish I were, Lisa knits the most beautiful things and even spins her own fibers!  We share a love of laughter and a deep passion for animals.  Lisa is truly the most unique person I know.


My workplace is also a big supporter of this race and I met a couple of the ladies I work with there.  I think we were expecting more people (UHC is a BIG company), but figured everyone else was just missing out.

Nancy, Tonna & I

I made them take a selfie...I think it may have been their first!

I picked up my race packet Saturday morning and despite this being a *really* big race and production, it took me just a few minutes - easy peasy.

I did have to pay an extra $5 for chip timing...I've never had to do that before.  Kind of odd.

This particular morning was particularly humid (83% humidity to be exact).  I knew it was going to a tough race.  My goal was to stay under 10 minute miles as this was just a *fun* run (but secretly I wanted to PR).

I *had* to bling out my picture of Lisa.  It was a must.

I also met a few ladies from MRTT there too!

Soon it was time to line up.  The great thing about this race was that they had a separate start for both the timed and untimed runners/walkers.  The timed runners started earlier and in their own coral.  This is such a great idea!  It eliminated a lot of congestion right from the get go.  Despite being a large race, I never felt crowded either.


The other awesome thing?  Around eight aide stations for a 5k!  Most of the time you're lucky if you get one!  All of the volunteers were great!

The three miles flew by.  The course was nice and flat, with a little elevation gain at the end, but overall pretty easy.

The challenge was definitely the humidity.

But those 10ish minute miles?

They turned into 8ish minute miles...at least for the first 2.  The last mile was *really* difficult and I had to stop and walk a couple of times.  I'd like to think if it had been cooler, I'd have kept up that speed.  It felt relatively easy for awhile and I honestly couldn't believe I was moving that fast.

There were a lot of activities and sponsor supported booths at the end of the race, but I had to scoot so that I could get to barre.

I ended up with a 27:57 finish time.  Not quite the PR I kind of wanted, but good enough for 4th (I'm 4th A LOT) in my AG.

We did it!

Overall, this was a really fun 5k (coming from someone who was once not a big fan of the 5k).  I will definitely do it again next year.  The friendships, the support and the cause are something to really get behind.  It made me realize how strong this community of breast cancer survivors, patients and caregivers really is.

4 comments:

  1. GOOD FOR YOU!! I would be super proud of that PR time...under 30 minutes is incredible!! You did fantastic, in the humidity no less!! The article you read about running in humidity sounds interesting... I've had the same thing happen to me (goosebumps) even though it wasn't cold... what does it mean?

    I wasn't aware that Lisa had breast cancer... how happy to hear she beat it!! That's wonderful that you represented her (and the great photo!) of her in the race! Great job! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Lisa!! I am looking for that article and am going to do a post on it in the near future...it was eluding me last night. I'm not crazy! I know I read it somewhere!

    She did have it, but not for long! Cancer definitely picked the wrong person to mess with when it chose her. She had a rough road, but came out on top and even more sparkly!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great job on the AG placement! That's an excellent time! I love that you wore a picture of your friend on your shirt (she sounds like someone I would love to hang out with!) and race selfies are a MUST. I'm glad you introduced your friends to the wonderful world of them. :)

    8 aid stations for a 5K is crazy awesome. More races should take a page out of that book!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This has meant the world to me - thank you again, Jolene. I do believe the money raised and used from these events contributed to my successful treatment...and all the prayers from around the world. I am currently sponsoring/mentoring a young woman (about your age) who has undergone months of weekly chemo sessions to now be followed by a double mastectomy and right side lymphectomy and then a course of radiation. What a brave woman! Love you Jolene!

    ReplyDelete