Race for the Cure

I have just signed up to run my first 5K race.  It’s the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure.  If you haven’t heard of it, the race raises money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. A couple of years ago I had a scare with breast cancer and I’ve lost my father and his sister to a form of cancer so I understand the toll this disease can have.  Giving my time and money is nothing in comparison to watching your loved one endure the wrath of cancer.

For me, this race should be really interesting because “me and race” don’t necessarily make a perfect match. I’m no runner. But this would combine 2 really important things for me – giving to a cause and staying fit. And I’m doing it with my girls.

We’re all at different ranges of fitness so I’m not too scared about the successful completion.  My workout routine now includes a normal 2 mile walk/ run interval as well as strength and yoga. I typically stop at 2 miles because I’m ready to go home. I hate working out but even more than that, I don’t want my as$ to spread so I do what I have to do.  I have a month to step my routine up so no one will have to scrape me off the ground.

And since we’re on the topic of supporting a cause/ giving back to the community …

Outside of this race for cancer, I’ve been a mentor for years to teenage girls in a formal program so giving back is old hat to me.

But if you want to give back and you’re shy about where and how to start, team up w/ some friends.  Ninety percent of my community endeavors have been with my best girlfriends.  Not only is it a blessing to someone else but if ever you’re in a valley, this is the exact time to serve. Don’t sit home and wallow.  Put that effort into something positive.  That’s one thing I know for sure.  During my divorce I started to work with young girls.  I’ve seen some of them go through high school and blossom into young women while in college.  It’s hands down been the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life.