First 5K Run

Earlier this month I ran in my first 5K. I'm not really a runner, but I've always liked the idea of being a runner. I've been increasing my distance during my treadmill runs at the gym, in hopes that I could do a race this year - even if it was a short race.

Since I got the idea of doing a race, I wanted to make sure that I chose a race which was meaningful for me. I found a race in the area which was a fundraiser for colon cancer, which seemed appropriate (since my mom passed away from colon cancer almost three years ago). J and Sam came to see me run. Sam wanted to wear a little heart-shaped clip with a flashing light, so that I would be able to spot him as I ran past. It was cute.

The course was lined with a couple of cheesy things related to colons, including a colon-themed obstacle course which you could do. Or, instead, you could opt to take a "colon bypass" route. (I did the obstacle course, which involved climbing over bales of hay and jumping through tires.) And at the end of the race, there was a huge inflatable colon that runners were supposed to go underneath (see photo above). I never imagined I would see (or run underneath) a "triumphal arch" shaped like a colon!

Although I don't think my mom would have participated in this kind of a race herself (she wasn't a runner, nor was she always a fan of standardized medicine), I still feel like it was a fitting tribute. As I was running, I reflected on how the race was a good way for me to honor my mom, while also giving me the chance to define myself as an individual. I hope that I can continue this new habit of running to stay fit and healthy.