Not really a race, but it was fun

This past Saturday, I ran with some friends in the "Race for the Cure" in Raleigh. I've never run any type of race before, but it was actually not too bad. I've decided I'm going to continue running in these types of events. I even bought new running shoes Saturday afternoon because my feet were killing me during and after the race. I'm sad to say that I walked for a couple of minutes, but I still did it in about 32-33 minutes. We're not really sure exactly when we started because there were soooo many people there, and the race started late, and we didn't really know where the start line was. I think we started timing ourselves before the start line. Either way, I'm not going to let myself walk in my next race. Since the race, I've learned a few things (in no particular order).
1. eat something before running 3 miles.
2. drink more than two sips of water before running 3 miles in 85 degree weather.
3. run in shoes that are less than 2-3 years old. Your feet will probably thank you.
4. Get more than 5 hours of sleep the two nights before. My sisters were in town, so we had fun, but we also stayed up way too late!!!

Here are some pictures from the race thanks to Jesika's super supportive husband who came out to support her and brought their two absolutely adorable children!


Jesika finished the race a couple of minutes ahead of me, but she decided to run the last 100 yards or so with me, so this is us after we crossed the finish line. She is so sweet!

Me with Ashley, Ceri, and Jesika. Ashley's husband, Carleton, ran the race with her, but I cropped him out of the picture (ha, sorry, Carleton. I don't think he'll mind.).

And a little later in the morning after eating some food and getting free stuff, here is Ceri, Ali (the organizer of our group), me and Jesika.

It was a lot of fun. I'm glad all of these ladies (and Carleton) ran it. It was a great experience, and I plan on doing it again. It was not only good to get out and exercise, but it was really moving to see all of the people with different t-shirts or signs on their shirts in memory or in celebration of women in their lives. It made me think of my mom some, even though she didn't pass away from breast cancer, she did pass away from bile duct cancer, and my grandmother (who is still living) had breast cancer years ago. I guess I should have run in celebration of her! Hopefully my registration fee really does go to something to help all of the women out there so we don't have to worry about cancer anymore. That would be nice!