The Race of Life

Moral of the story...train for a 10k!

Last weekend I participated in a local 10k trail run. There were a couple reasons for this adventure: 1. It was my New Year's Resolution to complete a 10k by my 30th birthday. 2. I was hoping this run would inspire me to get back to working out/running more consistently.

Well...what I learned is that you should definitely train before a major exercise event. I also learned that there is nothing wrong with finishing last, as long as you finish. And I did. I ran the event by myself and talked myself through it. After the first mile, I was thinking, "Erin, what were you thinking? You are a crazy person!" Then I would think, "You are a healthy 29 year old woman who can do this. There is no reason you can't." I didn't stop once. I didn't sit down. I just kept walking and jogging. I kept thinking about all those who may not have the chance to accomplish this feat. I pushed myself to finish for those I hope will get the chance someday. I finished in 1 hour 46 minutes, but there is nothing wrong with finishing last.

I know I would have done better if I had more time to exercise. I know I would have done better if it was a flat course. I know I would have done better if...if...if. This is what was going through my mind after the race. But then I looked at my free arm warmers and the number 414 on my chest and I smiled to myself in my rear view mirror. You have to start somewhere. It only gets better from here.

I did have a moment during the run when I almost broke down. As I passed mile 4, the most I've ever done in a workout, I took a picture and I called my Mom. Now, it was only 7am California time, so I didn't expect her to answer, but I left her a panting voicemail notifying her of the accomplishment thus far and encouraging her to slap me from clear across the country if I ever express interest in running a 10k again. When I hung up the phone, it hit me. I always call my Mom first. She is always the first person I want to share things that happen in my life, either good or bad. What happens if a day comes when she isn't there? What if the cancer comes back? This reminded me to cherish the moments I do have to share with her and to continue to support the cancer cure efforts in every way I can.

My encouragement for you: Pick a thing on your bucket list and work towards accomplishing it. Whether you finish first or last, you will have accomplished it, and from personal experience I can guarantee that it is worth it. No one, and nothing (especially cancer) can take that away!