#50: Get your rear in gear.

Date Completed:  5/16/2010

This list item actually turned out to be a 3 for 1 because it covers three items. I’m only counting it for two though. Let me give you a little history first. “Get Your Rear in Gear” events focus on raising awareness about colon cancer in communities across the country. They are events designed to unite people, cities and states throughout the USA, to provide support and hope for those who have had their lives affected by our nation’s second leading cause of cancer deaths, and to encourage individuals of all ages to get screened.

This is my third year to participate with the Colon Cancer Coalition, both as a volunteer and a runner, as this cause is close to my family (#27 on THE LIST). I volunteered on May 15 for pre-registration and packet pickup for the walk/run event that was held on May 16 (volunteering would be 1 of 3, but I already blogged my May volunteering event). Anyway, volunteering the day before the event is always enjoyable and memorable because you meet lots of people who you see the next day at the race…and you get to pick up your packet so you can sleep later on race morning. I met two really special gals the day I volunteered. One girl was a LTF member from Lakeville who had been working on improving her overall health and this was going to be her very first 5K, honoring her fiancé's dad who they lost to colorectal cancer. We connected because this race three years ago was my first 5K as well. I helped her with ideas on how to scrapbook her personal accomplishment and also the tribute she was making for his family and she left so excited. The other gal was picking up packets for her team and we were having fun chatting in general, but when she handed me her fundraising envelope, she began to cry. The "Chuck" in Team Chuck was likely her father. I knew what she must be feeling because I’ve been there too. I couldn’t help but be moved as well as I counted out 35 “in memory of” race pins for their team. We loaded all the stuff into her car and I think she felt better knowing that someone cared.

I generally participate in events that support the memory of my dad who suffered from colorectal, prostate and lung cancer during his life. While he did not live long enough to see me take control of my health and get my life together, I know he’s always there with me. And it never fails – during every event I cry a few tears for him (no one ever notices which is nice) and it helps me push through. On race day, Lisa and I were literally running across the mall parking lot to the starting line because one of us was running late (um…not me - haha) so I’m using that to explain my poor overall time. Well, that and that fact that for some reason each year, we overdo our activities the night before. It was a great race though (the run is 2 of 3) – about 30 degrees warmer than last year – and Lisa and I had a fabulous brunch afterwards on the patio at Edina Grill (I highly recommend their spinach frittata). And as for 3 of 3, you can check out our pic below, taken after our run and brunch – you’ll find more info in a post to come (#32 on THE LIST)...stay tuned.