Went to bed around 1am last night. Not the brightest move. Got up at 5am. I was pumped to go run. I wasn't thinking much about Breast Cancer research or a Cure to the disease this morning. I was ready to wake up, get going and race. I left the house at 6:30 and was downtown by 6:45am. The race didn't start until 9am, but I wanted to check everything out. So, I was walking around non-stop from 6:45 until I met up with Jim, Nicole, Riley (1 yr old) and Nicole's mom at 7:30. Then, we went walking around, and got all the free swag. The race started at 9.
Now, before Jim and the clan got there, I was walking around talking to these big groups, the teams. Just kind of mingling, getting to listen to some great stories. I met this one group and they were all talking about breast cancer. Then I noticed that each and every single one of them - probably about 15 women - were wearing instead of white race tags, they were wearing pink ones.
The pink ones were designated for the "Survivors". This group of women, each and every single one - fought off Breast Cancer. Each one had a story of how scared they were and how hard they cried when they fought off - and each one talked about the fight and the struggle to stay alive. It makes my 'struggle' to lose a few pounds seem like small potatoes, and it makes me appreciate the health that I've been given.
So, after talking, I promised to them that I would represent the cause for at least the next month - symbolized by wearing a pink wristband in honor of them. So, when everyone around me asks why this 6'4", 292 pound dude is wearing a pink wristband, I'll tell their story. This is what it looks like:
So, onto the race itself.
I felt pretty confident going into it, but when it came time to race, all I could think about is beating my time. I got the first mile out of the way in about 12:24 (the timing wasn't really recorded for the splits, except for one big clock that we could see when we got to the mile points), so I knew that I was ahead of the game. If I could keep the 12:24 pace, I'd be just fine.
The second mile was a bit toucher as expected. My time after 2 miles was 24:50 or something along those lines. I was keeping up with my 12:30/mile pace.
The third mile brought on a MAJOR cramp on my right side, the typical runner's cramp. Hurt like HELL. But, and I'm damn proud of this, I fought it off. I did a lot of walking in between runs, but it was a LOT of improvement from the last time - my recovery time is improving.
So, the last maybe 200 yards was awesome. You're running down this road between the two stadiums of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers, and you make a right turn. I was completely gassed out, but just trying to finish. Well, you make this turn, and then you see this in the horizon:
I can't explain how - but I got this HUGE rush of adreneline in me. When I say that after 3 miles, I was wiped out, that's no exageration. I was toast. But, when I saw that finish line, something took over. I went BALLS out, full sprint, for about 2 football fields. When most people were jogging in, I was pumping as hard as I could - and I ZOOMED through the finish line, beating last November's 46:48 time.
This time?
35:38.
An 11 minute improvement. I pumped my fist and yelled when I got there, and others cheered with me.
Now, this was only 3 miles instead of 3.1, but the timing wouldn't really be too different, so I'm calling this my number. Where the Thanksgiving run started your time electronically when you crossed the 'start' line, this one - the clock just started, and with the masses of people lined up, I didn't even get TO the start line until about a minute later - so it's a wash.
So, I'm proud of myself. But, as much as I've focused on the running today, the most meaningful part was talking to those women, and I wear this pink wristband with pride this month.
More pictures tomorrow.. they're taking too long to load tonight.
6 comments:
Totally awesome and I have to say thank you on behalf of my sister as she just found out last year that she has breast cancer.
I lost two young friends to cancer last year(both were breast cancer survivors). Their illnesses and then deaths played a major role in my decision to change my life. I knew that I did not have a healthy lifestyle at all, and I wanted to increase my chances as much as possible. I also have some family history of cancer, so I really need to do everything I can now.
Btw..I understand what you were saying, but I don't think that your struggle to lose weight is small potatoes at all. We all know that weight plays a major role in overall health.
Congratulations on your time. I'm super impressed. I sometimes wonder how treadmill speed translates to real running.
Congrats on your time, and your willingness to wear a pink wristband! I have also lost a loved one to breast cancer, so I have extra appreciation for you and what you're doing. I also echo Kristen, that your struggle may be different, but it is life or death too, in a lot of ways. But perspective is a great thing. You're a runner! I have wanted to run a race but want it to be something meaningful, not just RJ Crowley's pub or some other nonsense. Any suggestions on finding such an event?
Rob-
I'm really glad you had the time before the race to talk with women who faced the challenge of breast cancer. I too did the first MI Breast Cancer 3-Day as a personal challenge to myself, but through fundraising and training found out that it effects EVERYONE.
From the women AND men who fight the disease, to the children who watch their parent go through the fight, to the loved ones left behind who continue to fight in memory of loved ones they lost. It's a powerful event and I'm glad you were able to share that with us.
Note to all: you can find ALL sorts of walks/run/relays, etc to beneft whatever cause you support. Just search google for what you're passionate about-I participate in Breast Cancer 3-Day, Race for the Cure, Lung Association Asthma Walk, Gilda's Club walk (for all cancers)and Crohn's and Colitis Walk.
Great job Rob on your time and running for two causes - your health and in support of others. What better witness is that to someone. After watching the news yesterday about the races I said to my GF that I wanted us to participate in a race that has meaning. Thanks Nicole for the advice on how to find such an event. Again, great job Rob on yesterday!
Rob sounds like a awesome experience. thanks for sharing it in your blog and for supporting cancer survivors (both my parents are survivors so I have a big spot in my heart for them). Also nice job on shaving 11 min off your 5k.
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