So I am participating in the Coconut Point Susan G. Komen 5k experience this coming Saturday.  I’ve wanted to do it for quite some time.  Specifically since last year, when I couldn’t because we were in San Diego for my best friend’s wedding. 

Not a bad place to be… My best girlfriend from college got married and ALL were in the extravaganza, sans Tom, who might as well have been the wedding planner since he was at the very least; orchestrating one of the flower girls, one of the ring bearers, his wife/matron of honor, groom et. al, and the crazy hired wedding planner.  See, I can’t walk and chew bubble gum these days, so since I was in the wedding and so were our kids, as usual, he took care of EVERYTHING.  However, there is one thing he can’t take care of.  And that is my out of shapeness.  And so it goes…

This year San Diego will be the proper spring break destination AND I WILL GET MY DREAM FULFILLED WITH COMRADERIE AND GREAT PHILANTHROPY TOMORROW!!!  I love, love, love a Komen run, and I haven’t done one in about eleven years.  There is something about this group of women, people, force; that drives me.  There is something about cancer that makes me want to tear down buildings with my bear hands.  I KNOW!  Makes NO SENSE.  But none the less, cancer makes me a maniac.  I’d like to think in a good way.  I want to fight.  Fight for the good.  The good in science.  Good in people.  In strength.  In helping others.

I wanted to run.  I wanted to run not just for breast cancer.  But for every cancer.  BUT.  Truthfully.  I AM OUT OF SHAPE!  I tried to get in shape.  I tried to do it quick.  Too quick.  And it didn’t work out so well.  I am not much of a runner any more.  BUT.  That doesn’t mean I can’t be.  I will probably walk this Komen.  ONLY because I want to have FUN!!! And if I run, I don’t know that it will be much fun.

 I just checked out a training schedule for a 5K for poops and giggles…  It is, at the least, a little ridiculous.  (in a good way, because I am sure it works, but ridiculous, and I think you’ll agree- read on…)  Day 1. Brisk five minute walk; then alternate 60 sec. walk wtih 90 sec. run for total 20 mins. Day 2.  Same but alternate 90 secs of walking with two mins of running. Day 3. Same, but jog 90 secs then walk 90 secs then walk 1/8 mile then jog 1/2 mile… Oh no wait I’m sorry, that was work out #1 for weeks one through three!  I can’t even read the chart correctly, let alone get out there and remember, “Am I supposed to be jogging? Or running?  Or walking?  Or doing something brisk?  What really is the difference in a run or a jog? They didn’t say sprint.  I feel dum.  I want my mommy.” 

Confused. You have to alternate jogging,walking, brisk walking, 90 seconds, & 60 seconds, and 200 yards and try and win and rose and not step in dog shit.  And then mix a quart of anibiolic steriods with a pint of electrolites…  I mean really, aren’t I too old for this?  I’m  almost thirty five and a half people.  My brain is melting. 

So, back to the not running thing.  In my geniusness, I went running for the second time last Sunday on MY OWN training schedule and hurt my ankle.  Not a big deal.  Kinda a sissy hurt.  One of my ligaments is really, really, really, sore.  Waaa!  What’s more, I don’t want to hurt it more, thus, I am out of shape, and running right now is not any fun.  Back in the day (say 15 years ago) I didn’t like running, but, I could do it and not mind it that much.  NOW?  I HATE IT. 

And, in reality, my donation, and every one’s donation for me, doesn’t become of less value if I finish my 3.1 miles in 30 minutes or in 40 minutes.

Yes, I can only run a 10 minute mile, but can walk a 13 minute mile.  Go figure.