I wasn't the only blogger there either. I met up with the rest of the Paint the Town Pink team - Cassie, Andi, Sarah, and Jenny - who are all super nice (make sure you give them a little love and check out their blogs). We all met up for a little bit before the race and then headed over to the runners start.
Once the race got started Mr. T and I broke away from the group (or the group broke away from us depending on how you look at it - I'm slow!) and we just had a good time enjoying the run. There were so many survivor t-shirts and people racing in memory of friends and family who had breast cancer. Being surrounded by so many people whose lives have been affected by breast cancer was both humbling and inspiring.
It wasn't all serious though. There were plenty of people racing with a sense of humor. I saw a woman running in a tutu, one team had giant plastic inflatable pink flamingos with them, and then there was Santa Claus! When Mr. T ran up to him with the camera he was super nice about having his picture taken.
One of the really fun things about the race is the scenic route. I know I live here, but it's rare that I take the opportunity to play tourist and take advantage of the sites.
From a running standpoint - I did really well! I actually ran the entire first mile without stopping one single time. I haven't done that since high school! My overall pace was also faster than my usual treadmill workouts too - I guess that means I need to amp up my usual workouts a bit!
Overall, I had a great time and I am totally on board with doing it again next year.
I'm also starting to think about what my next race will be. I really think having a race to look forward to was important in getting me back on the treadmill on the days I wasn't eager to run and didn't want to exercise. Maybe a Thanksgiving Turkey trot? I just need to find one...
Yay! Great job!!
ReplyDeleteI loved running in the Race for the Cure for all the same reasons you listed. Great views, great people, great experience.
Awesome! I loved seeing all the famous sites in your photos--what a cool backdrop for a race!
ReplyDeleteMy mom did the Avon 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer a few years back and we went to cheer her on at the finish line. Seeing that many survivors and families together is definitely a unique and moving experience :)
Mrs. Foot - It was really was a great experience. I'm already thinking about how much fun it's going to be next year too.
ReplyDeleteKT - It really was! If you're going to run in DC you might as well run next to some monuments!
it really was amazing! i teared up at all the signs i saw... such an emotional experience. i watched some evening coverage of the race, too, and there were some sad stories on that as well. i am so looking forward to doing it again! it felt so great! you have done soooo well!!!!! yay!
ReplyDeleteand that santa was awesome! andi and i saw him early in the race, too, and i had a chuckle!
I'm in next year too (I've already told Cassie!). I think we're going to do a neighborhood team in memory of a neighbor who died last year, but we'll see you there!
ReplyDeleteCassie - Hearing all of the stories really is an emotional experience. And Santa was really great! He was so nice :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa - Woohoo! It's going to be so fun to see another blogger there next year!
Congrats on the run! Sounds like you had a great time and for such a wonderful cause! I am hoping to run a 5k at some point this year. Just need to get myself into training.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the race!
ReplyDeleteKari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com
CONGRATS!!
ReplyDeletePS - I didnt know you lived in DC! We live a few hours out but try to sneak up there every chance we get
I wish I could get my butt in gear to do a 5K. I think if I could sign up for one with such a pretty backdrop, I'd definitely be able to train for one! I love it that people get dressed up for those things.
ReplyDeleteYou got some great pictures!!! It was so much fun! Cassie and I have already talked about doing a run close to Halloween and we are wearing our sweatbands!! :-) Oh and I've been meaning to tell you that I love the new look of your blog!!! It's fantastic!!
ReplyDelete