Komen 2015

Komen Race for the Cure.
I have such mixed feelings about Komen, but even more mixed feelings about Komen Race for the Cure.
I suppose it is because, in part, I am nine years out from my breast cancer diagnosis, and with cancer more and more in the rear view mirror, it's not front of mind and not a big part of my life anymore -- thank heavens!
So I had resolved not to run Atlanta's Komen race this year. But the race is held right across from my office building. And last week the signs went up letting drivers know there would be traffic delays on May 9. And suddenly I wanted to be part of that race.
So the day before the race I signed up. I am glad I ran the race.
The weather was good, if humid. The start of summer racing in Atlanta.

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Komen selfie at the start

 I couldn't park in my office parking lot this year, but I did bring my key card, so after having breakfast in the survivor's area and getting my survivor goodies, I walked over to my office and left everything at my desk. I didn't want to run with all that!

Karen and me

 Running into Karen at the finish is really why I am glad I did the race this year. I had been meeting fewer and fewer survivors my age or younger at these races, so it was such a delight to run into Karen, whom I've known for several years. And I don't see her often anymore so it was good to see her and know she's doing well too.

finisher

 Here's another reason I was glad to do this race. The finisher's medal. It's not that need another finisher's medal, but Atlanta Komen was one of the few Komen races that gave a finisher's medal for survivors. For years I'd collected them. Then last year, there was no medal. I was disappointed. It was a nice touch. When I went to sign up the day before the race, the young lady who got me registered was the woman who DESIGNED the medal. She gave me a sneak peak. I think she did a fabulous job.

Komen Atlanta finisher's medal

So there is another medal hanging on my display rack, and I'm glad to have it. Nine years is a place I wasn't so sure I'd be. I'm glad to be here. And I think I'm already committed to next year -- year 10!

Beating the Street with Pete the Cat

I've run a local race that has been on my bucket list for at least four years.
It's the Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K. Why have I wanted to run this race? For the T-shirt!
The T-shirt always has a picture of Pete the Cat, created by Savannah artist James Dean.
But it seemed I was always either signed up for some other race, or out of town. This year the stars aligned and I ran the race with my friend Erin. Here I am "at the finish" with Pete.

Not quite the finish line, but cute nonetheless!

Erin finished with Pete, too

The course was around the Oakhurst area of Decatur and I'm telling you it was pretty hilly. I had not run the course before and both Erin and I groused about a couple of the hills. We turned in a fairly good run, though.

Finishers!

I've been wearing the coveted T-shirt all weekend. I know it is now among one of my favorites. Thanks, Pete!