I just completed the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K. This was my second time and I think I improved on my overall time.
Last year when I completed the race I tweeted that this year I would run it for cancer patients. I wasn’t able to run it, but I did walk. It’s true that I’m about 30 lbs. lighter than last year. I need to be about another 30 lbs. or even 60 lbs. less before I consider the run.
I did start out running and went for not quite half a mile when my hip said, “What the HELL are you doing?”
I slowed down to a walk. Later I heard from my ankle and my knees that I had made the right decision.
The day called for rain. We got rain. At the beginning a slight drizzle, then steadily more and more. When we turned the corner on the 3rd mile, I realized the direction of the rain fall.
My clothes are soaked. I’m exhausted and sore. There’s a nap in my very near future. I’ve got to be ready to usher for a show tonight.
I will admit to being somewhat overjoyed that a look in the underwear drawer confirmed that I don’t have to do laundry or wear the auxiliary pair before tomorrow.
This year I was part of Team Massey, raising funds for the Massey Cancer Center. As a 24-year-survivor, this is very important and personal to me. As the friend and associate of far too many people who have lost the battle with cancer, it’s even more important.
Thank you to those of you who supported me in this race. I like to think we gave cancer a good swift kick in the ass.
(Pardon the language, but cancer doesn’t deserve respectable speech.)
Like I said, my time was better this year. At least I hope I’m not proved wrong when the official results come out. Next year, I plan to do even better.
And one day, I’ll run this race.