recap of the day

What a beautiful day, wish it could be this perfect everyday, but soon the humidity of the summer will come.  The day began with a 5k race on Duke's campus and ended with a sweet dinner at Magnolia grill with friends. 

Angels Among Us was really a fabulous event, great cause, and a terrific way to raise money for a good cause--fighting to end brain cancer.  Don't get me wrong, I love running, but I love it even more when it's for a good cause.  This year I was able to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation and participated in the Marathon for a Cure, today was a 5K to help put an end to brain cancer, and Wednesday I will attend an intro meeting to figure out when I can join the Team In Training Leukemia foundation. I'm beginning to find ways to put my passion for running into passions for helping others, it's a new adventure and I'm excited about it. 

This morning's race went better than I had expected it to (despite stopping at mile two to tie my shoe!!!)  With perfect weather, loads of kids and families, and a "positive" atmosphere, it set the tone for the day.  My daughter's classmate passed away from brain cancer nearly two years ago, and keeping that in mind while running was the perfect way to stay focused.  I have my health, family, life, and am utterly grateful for it all. 

Finishing in 23:08 was a little disappointing, but knowing that I still had 11 miles to run after kept it in perspective.  After talking, walking, eating, I finally left the course and began the remainder of my long run.  I ventured through the beautiful gardens and the masses of people that were buying plants at the huge plant sale.  By the time I got over to East campus, there were hoards of people that were participating in the Sarcoma 5K run!  So many people out this morning, loved the energy!  Meredith and I did high five's as we passed one another on the trail, then ran together for the end--it was pretty much an all out sprint!  It was a good thing she was out there today because I had no desire to keep running and felt way too tired to even want to try.  By mile 7 my knee was hurting so much that I stopped to take Advil (which I had already taken before the 8am race).  A mile later I couldn't take it anymore, so decided to just skip the remainder of the miles and head back to my car.  Once Brian let me know that I came in second in my "old lady" age group, I felt better about quitting my run early.

After icing and showering, I spent nearly 2 hours prom dress shopping with my 14 yr old (trust me, I'd rather run 50 miles than shop!!!)   I'd spend all day with my daughter without a doubt, but not in a mall.  Luckily, the last store we stopped in had one dress she liked and we both went home happy!  Thirty minutes at home, then off to soccer with our 11 yr old.  Two hours of watching him play in the hot sun left me feeling drained, but watching him play brings a smile to my face.  The evening ended with a three hour dinner at Magnolia grill with friends.  Since this was only my second meal of the day, I devoured every morsel and savored every bite.