Great Prostate Cancer Challenge Race Recap

On Saturday, September 25th at 9:00 am I ran in my second ever 5k race!  This time it wasn't just about me though... this time it was personal.  In 2001, I lost my dad to prostate cancer.  I have forever since then wondered why there seems to be so little activism for this cause; so little awareness about prostate cancer and the amazing amount of men it effects in this country.  So when I heard about the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge I knew I had to be a part of it. 

I actually remember finding the race the night of my first 5k as I foolishly knowingly browsed upcoming races.  I remember thinking... that one is one I HAVE to do.  Now, few months later, I've done it.  Not only did I run my second ever 5k, but I raised $360 towards prostate cancer awareness and research.  The goal is Zero - zero prostate cancer deaths, zero prostate cancer cases and for those with the disease, a zero PSA. 

Apparently, it is not in the cards for me to have a nice, sunny day for racing.  Again... another race where it was cloudy and raining.  As we started to drive towards Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis the rain even picked up a little.  We got there and I got my registration packet with my number and shoe tag.  I'm a pro now (after one race), so I knew the drill.  I got everything ready and there was still lots of time before the race started, so we kind of just hung out in the rain for awhile, and then I saw my brother coming - what a nice surprise.  It was fun to have some extra support there. 

 Me and my brother Scott

We walked down to the starting line, and about 3 minutes before the race, I realized the cover to one of my headphones was missing.  My lucky husband found it though - black on black pavement in the rain.  I was quite impressed, and so happy to be able to have my music for the run! 

We had the stag from the Hartford cheering us on!  Thanks The Hartford for sponsoring this race! 

And we were off...

Initially everyone was really bunched up, and I felt a little uncomfort able, but it didn't take long for everyone to space out.  It was raining a little, but it didn't bother me much.  I settled into a nice pace, and actually started passing a lot of people.  I had some panic that maybe I was running WAY too fast, but I told myself, listen to your body... you have run this distance so many times before.  For awhile I got lost in my music, and before long realized that we had just passed the halfway point.  WOO HOO!  The first part of the race I found easy, and then... as quickly as I thought "This is easy", I felt the side ache coming on.  I didn't even get water this time, but I still got it.  Then my legs started to ache.  For a minute I thought... wow this is harder than I thought it would be.  I struggled through the next mile...and then I had a thought.  I remember in the last weeks of my dad's life.  He struggled with pain so much.  He was allergic to morphine, and so finding pain meds that helped for long periods of time was difficult.  I remember watching him in that pain.  He pushed through it so bravely.  I thought, "Who am I thinking I can't do this, if he endured dying from cancer - cancer that took over his bones - cancer that was showing in his spine and brain - I can certainly push through 1 more mile of this race.  That was all it took.  I found myself back at the starting point, and knew the finish was only .1 of a mile away, and I ran my heart out, and I finished in 31 minutes even!  1 minute 15 seconds faster than my first 5k!!! 

It was rewarding to be able to be out there yesterday - to be showing my support for men that have died of this disease, and men that are surviving in spite of it.  The number of people that I've heard of recently that have been touched by prostate cancer alarm me.  It was rewarding to see people banding together to support and remember loved ones.  I was able to share my dad's story with one of the videographers there.  I hope it can inspire someone else.  I was glad to share the day with my brother, husband, and son.  Daddy... I know you couldn't be there in person, but I was glad to share the day with you too!  I hope it made you proud.

Mere seconds away from the finish line!

Many thanks to all of the wonderful family and friends that sponsored me in this race.  Thank you for believing in me, supporting the cause, and helping me remember my dad.  I am so grateful.