Race for the Cure - 2010 - Richmond, VA

Mi madre, mi padre, Sister Fantanimal, AriCaVa (& kiddos), FlyRunner & youngest son, ChildPilot (with 2 sons & hubby), Uncle Tom & wife, Kris and CycleCaster all converged on downtown Richmond, VA to take part in the 2010 Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.

We were "Jean's Team"! Walking for my aunt, Jean, we did it to celebrate her life, to raise awareness & do something in her memory as a family. It was a fitting weekend to get together - Mother's Day weekend! The weather was beautiful - sunny, warm, even a nice WIND!

There are lots of others with the same thoughts - celebrating life & walking for a cure. It was inspiring to see so many people in their pink, with the loved ones, living life.

The smallest of the team (Jelly & Otoño Poco) rode the 3.1 miles, but were alert & definitely enjoying the hustle & bustle of people passing them by.

At times we walked together, other times we were separated as walkers sped up & slowed down throughout the race. But in the end, we crossed the finish line together.

A little warn out from the excitement of the day, we left the race with plans to meet up at mi madre's house for lunch. What a spread to feed the hungry masses! With full bellies and lots of family in the vicinity, it was a nice afternoon to share with loved ones.

We survived this year's event & it was mentioned we should do it again next year...

I think i might just do it! See ya in 2011~

5K... it's not about the money

My cousin, Angel (we'll call her "FlyRunner"), has done the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Charlotte for as long as I can remember. I have always been in awe of that probably b/c I am the farthest thing from a runner there can be. I think I might even RUN FROM RUNNING.

She signs up & straps on that race number every year and finishes at a time about 12 years ahead of what I might do. Not only does she run the race, she also raises money for it too! Talk about great multi-tasking!

Recently, after a bit of research on her part, FlyRunner discovered The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has a larger portion of its donations going to ACTUAL research. She has since suggested that all those generous donors out there send their funds to an organization that uses those donations in a way she felt would better serve the future for curing breast cancer... and she still runs the Komen race.

The race in Charlotte is usually in October. Last year, FlyRunner wasn't able to do the race for scheduling challenges, so she's making up for it by doing two races this year - the Richmond & the Charlotte races.

The Race for the Cure in Richmond is one Saturday in May. Since just about all of FlyRunner's family lives in the area (or close enough to drive), it's a great opportunity for everyone to take part in it. When I was approached with the idea to walk (yes, we are WALKING this race. FlyRunner will run the Charlotte race later in the year), I didn't hesitate. I have wanted to do something like this for a long time & this was perfect!

So started "Jean's team"... Named in memory of my aunt, FlyRunner's mother, the women (ok, mi padre too and assorted kids of male variety) in my family will be getting together to walk in her honor. I have to admit, I am really looking forward to it! I want to finish the walk/race with new inspiration within me; having been through an experience that not everyone has done; and completed for reasons that are imporantant to me and my family.

I have a while to prepare for it... Looks like it's about time to lace up those shoes & get outside!