Charlotte Area Race For The Cure 2008 by jessi4jc

I've run/walked the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure every year but one since 2001. Let's just say that I've never put in a stellar performance.

This year, however, I was determined to run the race again. I began training in August. I ate right, stayed well-hydrated and, with the help of my marathoner friend Christa, slowly built my running to nine miles a week, three times the distance I would have to run on race day. I set a goal of 27 minutes and 30 seconds from start to finish. It averages to just over nine minutes per mile. Although at the start of my training I was running a twelve minute mile, I ran a nine minute mile in college and thus, it didn't seem overly ambitious.

But, as always, there were things I didn't plan on. During training I became incredibly frustrated when I got slower before I got faster. At one point I was running a snail's pace sixteen minute mile. Two weeks before the race I was back where I had started at a twelve minute mile and was looking forward to working on my speed in the remaining training runs leading up to the race. And then I got sick. I spiked a 103.5 fever that landed me in the hospital on IV fluids, penicillin, and steroids. I had a massive, dual infection in my throat and lungs. I could barely stand, let alone breath. Running was out.

My goal changed. I no longer had any hope of finishing the race in under 30 minutes, but I set a new goal. It was simply this: To finish and to do so by doing my best, whatever my best may be. I didn't want to throw it in. I wanted to run the entire course and not give up...even if I ran it as slow as molasses. My sweet friend stuck right with me throughout the entire race, even though we were moving at about half the pace she normally runs. She encouraged me through the tough spots and entertained me through it all. And together, we crossed the finish line.

My marathon/triathlon friend Christa. It's all her fault...
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/STA71277.jpg[/IMG]

Our group at the start. Two of my sisters are here as well of three of my very best friends.
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/rftc08_1.jpg[/IMG]

The start line. Christa's suggestion was that we not start anywhere near the front. Although she is a front of the pack person, she knows that I definately am not. :)
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/n1311844369_139289_7111.jpg[/IMG]

My youngest sister and I around mile 1.5. I am not flipping off the camera. That is "peace."
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/STA71279.jpg[/IMG]

Christa at Mile 2. I wish we didn't have the glare. She is adorable!
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/n1311844369_139302_9981.jpg[/IMG]

Me at Mile 3:
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/STA71284.jpg[/IMG]

Ashley and Candace smoked us...they were waiting for us at the finish line.
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/STA71286.jpg[/IMG]

My sister, Kerin, in the final sprint for the finish:
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/STA71287.jpg[/IMG]

My sister, Stephenie, coming in to the finish:
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/STA71288.jpg[/IMG]

Our group at the finish:
[IMG]http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jessi4jc/Race%20For%20The%20Cure%202008-Scrapblog/STA71290.jpg[/IMG]

I decided to run this race because I am a breast cancer survivor, as is my aunt. I thought that I would train and run this one race. Little did I know that it would just be the beginning. I'm not great at running; I don't put in stellar times or run full marathons, but I have found something that I love...I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. This was my first race, but definately not my last. I am already looking ahead to new challenges and have begun training for the next race coming in December and a whole schedule of events for 2009.