BEST "Race" EVER

The term "race" has been thrown around a bit too loosely these days. This came to my attention as I participated in the National Race for the Cure. I wouldn't exactly classify myself as a "runner" because I have never been formerly trained; however, I've been known to jog outdoors (especially recently as I am still a little nervous about joining Roids with Kimmmmm and forced to do the juice). Nonetheless, I am prepared to jog a 5K on a whim.

Anyhow, this alleged "race" is complete anarchy. In theory, it sounds like a great event because it's a relatively flat course with the monuments in the backdrop, it supports the search for a cure for breast cancer, Condi Rice was there to provide some token words of encouragement or something to that effect, blah blah blah. But once the race begins, it's a good five minutes until you can even begin jogging, much less "racing." In unison, the crowd takes a few steps, then comes to a screeching hault, reminding me a lot of my former commute on the Beltway. An enormous timer is located at every mile-marker, so you can keep an eye on your time. To put this "race" in perspective, my first mile that included the four minutes of zigzagging around the walkers clocked 11:30 (yes, approximately the time it takes me to WALK a mile), while I passed the second mile-marker at about 19 minutes. So, basically I went from an 11 1/2 minute mile to about a 7 1/2 - 8 minute mile as the dense crowd broke apart.

I digress. Overall, it really is a great event.

One of my other favorite moments is as you end the race, they direct you to the National Mall where all the sponsors are located and handing out goodies. I grabbed a bottled water and started walking around. I spotted an enormous Yoplait truck surrounded by others that had also finished the race. I like my daily dose of calcium as much as the next gal, but the idea of gulping down any sort of dairy product after running a 5K in June is not the least bit appetizing. Even as I sit here writing this, hours after the event has ended, my stomach still churns at the idea of yogurt after running. Instead, I visited some of the other tents, and am now a proud owner of a yellow baseball cap with a pink ribbon on it (sponsored by McDonalds), two pink ribbon pins (one from Ford, another from McDs), a pink scarf (which actually came in handy to keep my hair back when it rained on my way home, and postcards to send out to everyone to remind them to do a self breast-exam. Yeah, those postcards won't be AWKWARD at all... Dear Friend, Hope you are enjoying your summer. And by the way, the next time you're in the shower, remember to feel for lumps....

I continued to walk up the Mall and decided that I would rather die than enter that overcrowded sardine case they like to call a metro after an event like this. So, I found myself walking another 4-5 miles all the way home. And that's the way I roll-- a true nomad at heart. You will find that Kimmmm and I try to embrace our inner-hippie, especially in the summer. We're looking forward to sporting the backless tanks at work.