Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure

A little over a year ago, I decided that if I was going to do all this cooking...well all this eating... I needed to start exercising more.  In DC, running is the most common form of exercise. I knew if I set my mind to it, I could become a runner- even though I have absolutely not been a runner my whole life.

I started a 5K training program and about 3 weeks in I was hit by a car. I was lucky, and only dislocated my thumb, which meant I was in a cast for about a month (including the week I started at my job now).  Still, the frightening x-rays and the frustration of a city hospital made me less apt to start running again.

My "exercise habits" were less than stellar for the rest of 2010.  In January, I decided to pick it back up again.  I could probably barely run a mile on January 1, but I decided to dedicate myself to finishing Couch to 5K.  I set a goal in mind to finish a race before my birthday (June 11) and I wanted to pick a race with a cause I was passionate about.

Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure was this past Saturday, June 4. My mom's best friend from college is a breast cancer survivor and I have always been so amazed by her strength to overcome life's challenges.  I ran the race in her honor and I think it gave me the strength to stick to my goal.  I'm so excited to say I finished - without walking at all - and that I raised $890 to support breast cancer awareness, prevention, and research.  I may not have been the fastest participant, but just finishing was a huge goal for me and I can't wait to work to improve my time in future runs. I am SO grateful to my friends and family for their donations and support - I couldn't have done it without them.

Also, a big thanks to Casey, Amanda, and Derek for running with me - I had SUCH a fun morning!  For those of you who never thought you were a runner - I really suggest trying Couch to 5K and getting out there for a race in your area.  It is an absolute blast and I am so glad I did it!

Now, for those of you disappointed in the lack of food in this post, I did make an amazing dinner last night, but didn't manage to take pictures.  If you need a meal for dinner tonight, I strongly recommend Gina's Skinny Chicken Tikka Masala.  The Monkey Scientist and I really enjoyed it - and all of his roommates, including one who is Indian, said it tasted great.  Then get out and start running!