Wow I couldn't believe it was time for my third Race for the Cure in Washington D.C. This year was the first time it changed from National to Global race, but I didn't realize that until I got there. This was just one of many changes this year.

I briefly thought about not going as I hadn't been working out as much as I should be - only got in two run/walks in the last few weeks but then I remembered that this is my way of honoring my mother's life so I had to go. Most people can put flowers on graves, my mom is buried 2000+ miles away so this is how I put flowers on her grave to let her know I still think about her.

Kids weren't feeling good, so I figured it would be me and hubby, but he invited FIL so it was all three of us. We got a late start, but made it to Runners start with 5 minutes to spare. I actually ended up at the side of the starting mark pressed in against many bodies. This was the first year we were chipped at this race so all we needed to do was move as a group sideways to the start and make sure we crossed the starting gate. Well I had a good short warm up walking to start so I was ready to go - the race however wasn't. A change this year was that the complete program (speakers/singers) was BEFORE the start. Not the best idea as when we finially started out 35 minutes later I wasn't stretched out - and not being in shape that wasn't good.

I will say the speeches were nice - I was even suprised by VP Biden giving a speech before he introduced his wife. Last year the program was split into two one prior and one after and I think it went better - but that is my thoughts. The one really nice thing was a speech about remembering those that had been lost and a few minutes of silence in there memory (yes at this point I was crying - this race is still so emotional for me). Next year I'm wearing sunglasses so I can cry and not feel weird about it.

So the race starts, no bang, just they started having a singer sing (can't remember the song) and I was herded sideways to the starting gate in a mad rush of bodies (actually it was kind of cool) and we were off. I had my stopwatch on my phone all ready so as soon as I stepped over the line I started it - good thing too as for some reason this year the mile markers and time were gone. I also missed the various performers/cheerleaders along the route. There were a few flat bed trucks all decorated up with microphones for performers or cheerleaders, but most were empty - that was very weird. I walked/jogged my way through the race - keeping an eye on my gps thingy to make sure I kept above 3.4 at all times a good fast walk for me. The first year I did it in 58+ minutes. Last year is anyones guess with all the shortcuts we took.

This year........52:49 and that was with two slow downs to get water. Oh yea, I am happy. My chip may show the real time to be slightly different - but that is very close.

This year they routed us into the vendor area at the end instead of the mall area with food/water. By the time I got there I was dying for water (I know they put out water so figured I'd be able to get a bottle prior to race but that didn't happen). We then scoped out the vendors (Jim bought me a shirt, vest and the cutest pink bear) then we went to the North American Indian Museum's eatery and I had Fried Bread with Honey and this side dish of lima beans, guacomonli (sp?) onions, and peppers - it was really refreshing and different. Then back home.

I can't wait for next year! Although I am going to train for it so my feet and calves won't be so sore. Dare I hope the sore feet is the kick in the rear end I need to get back with the program. I have the MD Race for Cure in October, it is good but there is just something especially special about this one.

So yea me!!! 52:49 not too bad!