things I have never done at a race

     I am a big proponent of great big sunglasses. They protect your delicate eyes from the sun and make you appear mysterious and glamorous all at once and they hide a multitude of eye care sins. Luckily, I was wearing them this morning while waiting for the Race for the Cure to start. You see, you are standing in the crowd at the start line and you are reading all the shirts. Shirts about survivors and those were lost. Large groups in matching outfits coming together to support one woman they love and help lots of others in turn. Smiles and headscarves, strollers and even a few wheelchairs. I was hiding behind my glasses blinking back tears.
     Almost every race I run is for charity but none of them have touched me like this one did. I write all the time about the communities that women form to support one another and about how I personally couldn't do without mine. This was a giant example of that idea. Thousands coming together to support their mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters. To support neighbors and strangers. There were plenty of men there to support their women, but sooo many women had found someone they wanted to fight for. My heart was all bursty and a few tears made it to my cheeks. I simply couldn't help it.
     Yesterday we reached our goal of $500 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. $500! I am so humbled by your generosity, and so grateful for the support you so willingly and even happily gave. You are my circle and my community and my sanity. I can't thank you enough.
    
Note to fellow runners: You should find this race in your area and be a part of it, it is fantastic. Also, drink just as much water as you know you are supposed to before the race because otherwise you will sprint the last 1/4 mile or so to cross the finish and after slowing to a walk will have to rush over to the grass to vomit. As someone who usually runs lots farther than 3 miles, it is extrememly embarrassing to throw-up after nothing more than a 5k. You, of course, wipe your mouth nonchalantly and wander off quickly before anyone gets too good a look at you, but still, mortifyingly embarassing. Drink lots of water. Lots. At least more than I did.