I always seem to have trouble sleeping the night before events; not just races but little things like going on a trip home to Greensboro. I guess it’s the anxiety of not knowing what will come out of the day. With races, I know I’ll run, and in most cases I know I’ll finish (I can’t think of a race I haven’t crossed the finish line, even after twisting my ankle, I still managed to cross the finish line, my time was absolutely horrible but I finished).
I set four alarms so that I wouldn't over sleep for the Run for the Ta-Tas 5k. I hit the snooze button a few too many times yesterday morning which left me with just enough time to brush my teeth and get dressed. I have no problem with not eating before a short run like a 5K, it almost makes me run faster because I just keep telling myself that there is food at the finish line (and at most races there is a plethora of bagels and fruit). It was the most perfect temperature for running yesterday morning. I always ran Personal Records (PRs) in high school in October and November, the cooler weather seems to make me run better. Needless to say I was stoked when my car said it was 65 degrees.
The race went exceptionally well and I was hitting a great pace of 8:15 at times and only slowing to around 8:45 at other times. (Not sure if I have ever mentioned how I track my pace in races. I always run with my iPod but I have the Nike + chip that tracks everything through a chip in my shoe and a connector on my iPod. It is a great tool and the Nike + website is even better.) As I rounded the turn, and the finish line came into view, I just smiled because I knew that my time would be good. I try to hold off on giving it all I have until I can see the finish line to avoid burning out. I finished in 25:56 minutes (This is the official time. In the picture above, it says 26:04 - there's a time delay due my timing chip crossing the start/finish sensor). Which compared to the last race is a huge improvement and probably had something to do with the fact the course was so flat. I collapsed (as I usually do, I’m very dramatic and act like I almost died out there) within 25 feet of the finish line. After I bring myself to sit upright, I enjoy watching the other runners finish. It was great to see so many people come out and support a great cause. All of the proceeds from the run went to The Pink Ribbon Project at New Hanover Regional Medical Center here in Wilmington, NC.
I just want to point out that although women are clearly at higher risk for breast cancer, men can develop breast cancer as well. So I strongly urge any man who feels anything different in his chest to get it checked out. Early detection is key to fighting cancer.
FACTS:
- Exercise pumps up the immune system and lowers estrogen levels. With as little as four hours of exercise per week, a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer.
- Each year, about 550,000 Americans die of cancer; fully one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and carrying excess weight.
What have you done today to lower your risk of developing cancer?
xoxo
Mary Jo
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