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Race Day
July 6th, 2009 | Dean Arrindell
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
The Father's Day Race Against Prostate Cancer was held on a rainy Sunday morning two weeks ago. Getting up before 7am to run five miles in the rain isn't the way I like to spend any morning. But it was the culmination of several months of training, spreading the word about prostate cancer and raising money to fight the disease.
I had run five miles a few times before the race, and had run four miles many times, but with the other 4549 runners, my official number – 4020 - on my chest, the TV cameras, the announcements, and all the reasons I was there, I was nervous. Right before the race began, I repeated to myself, "This is just another run." And by the time the race was about to start, I convinced myself that's exactly what it was: another laid-back, peaceful and possibly boring 45-minute jog.
I was wrong. Because so many people were running, there weren't packs -at least back where I was. People were everywhere. I was constantly in traffic, either being passed or passing other runners. There was plenty to see, too.
Inspiration
There were inspirational things, like the runner with one leg. Seriously. He used crutches to propel himself as spectators and other runners cheered him on. If he can run five miles for prostate cancer – or for any cause – then anyone can run five miles.
There were also a few strange things, like the runner who was juggling as he ran. I have no idea why he did it. Holly got a great shot of him just after the start of the race. I saw him about a mile later, and he wasn't missing a step.. or a ball.
It was a great race and a great day. I'm very happy that I was able to participate and support such a great cause. And my time? I finished in 44:35, just under my goal of 45 minutes, and placed 2381 out of 4549 runners.
I had just crossed the finish line.
Thanks to everyone who supported me and made a contribution to my fundraising effort.
And special thanks to Holly. With everything else we have going on, she supported my training and fundraising for the event. She also woke up at the crack of dawn on race day to cheer me on in the rain and take all the great photos. Thanks Honey!!
You can see more pictures of the race, including the juggler, on The Longest Trip's Facebook Page.
Related Topics: exercise, Prostate Cancer
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Dean Arrindell | 2 Comments »
Race Day
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
July 14th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Congratulations Dean on reaching your goal! All the best with The Longest Trip (and your continued fitness motivation, we all need it!)
August 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Thanks Lori!