Saturday, September 12, 2009

Race For The Cure - I WILL!


I did not run today in our local Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. I've been wanting to do it for a few years, but something has always prevented me from participating. I was signed up one year for the walk portion of the race, but wound up with a sinus infection the day before the event, so I did not get to walk. The following year, I knew I would have to work the morning of the race, so I donated to a special part of the race that was called Sleep In For The Cure...if you were not running or walking, this was your category. I was happy to still give my money to the cause, but I've only worn the shirt to sleep in, since I wasn't actually sleeping in on the day of the race: I was at work. I must say, it's quite ironic to only wear a shirt that reads Sleep In For The Cure to bed!

This cause is near and dear to my heart. I lost my mom, cousin, and 2 aunts to breast cancer. As you may have read in some of my earlier posts this summer, I've had 3 surgical biopsies myself on a total of 4 "unusual masses" that showed up on mammogram and ultrasound. Thanks to God...they were all benign, but I still have to watch my body closely, as does my other cousin, because of our strong family history.

Every year, I say I will run the following year, but it hasn't happened yet. This year I couldn't even donate, because my husband got laid off in May and we're having trouble paying the bills. The other thing that has held me back from the race is my weight. I know I need to be in better shape to run this race. I want to make a good showing for my family, and not crumble in a heap on the course because I am not conditioned for it. I also know that by exercise and eating healthy, I am hopefully preventing this disease in my own body.

Today is the day that I make this promise: I will be running in next year's Race For The Cure in Cleveland, Ohio. I am already getting stronger and in better shape, so I am setting this goal for sure. AND...this time, it's not just a promise I am making in my head - now that I've posted it in this blog, it's as if I've signed a contract to run this race. To my mom Helen, cousin Carol, Aunt Jean and Aunt Paula...I love all of you and miss you so much, and I will not let you down!!!

4 comments:

Melissa Cunningham said...

great post girlie! there is a race for the cure here in terre haute,IN in about 2 or 3 weeks..im am def running this one,and i will keep your mom,aunts and cousin in mind,as with my grandmother.....
keep up your hard work chica,it will all pay off in the long run(no pun intended-lol!)

Amazon Runner said...

You go girl! I'll be your tallest cheerleader!

Unknown said...

You will totally rock the race last year! I ran this race (well the local one) this year and it was VERY rewarding. I will be cheering you on.

2Bmeagain said...

What a GREAT goal to have! I have a friend who is a breast cancer survivor and she does the race every year. It is an important cause to support even if their isn't a history in your family. In fact, I just went and had a mammogram this morning.