With a half-mile to go, my son asked if I wanted to cross the finish line holding hands. My eyes welled up with a grateful “Yes!” and I knew that today I would finish strong with Ian by my side. As a new runner, I’m still humbled by the difficulties I face running, both physical and mental. He filled me with energy, hope, and love.
As a new runner, I’m also still in awe of those who can run faster, farther, and smarter. Finish a 5K in 15 minutes?! Bravo! And I’m overwhelmed to consider the stories of those who race with giant hearts that overcome obstacle after obstacle. Cancer survivors, their loved ones, and those who ran on behalf of those who passed away, inspired me to keep going and give it my best.
The D-backs Race Against Cancer held today was my fourth race and my first fundraising event as a runner. President and CEO, Derrick Hall opened the event with this statement:
I am so proud of the growth of this event. All of our initiatives are meaningful and have great impact on the community, but this may be the most significant. Everyone knows someone who has been touched by this dreadful disease. These funds will go toward research, treatment and education as we look to save lives and find a cure. My own foundation, the Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation, is a beneficiary of the generosity of everyone running and walking. Being a cancer survivor myself, I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.
I want to thank everyone, all 2,000 participants, too. Joining together as a community, we filled each other with energy, hope, and love. We made each other better.
At the finish I learned that I had run my best 2-4 miles, a 9:23 min/mi pace. For added fun, I heard one of our favorite former D-backs, J.J. Putz, finished after me. He was likely running as part of a team yet I laughed out loud and high-fived the runner next to me. For the rest of our lives we can say that we beat J.J. 🙂 I was “this close” to getting a picture with him but I had a newbie post-run disorientation! Thankfully, my family helped me out of my confusion and a victory lap around the warning track of Chase Field was icing on the cake. 
When the Arizona Diamondbacks win a game, we hashtag #SlapHands on Twitter. Today, I was privileged to #SlapHands with 2,000 winners.
Do you participate in events to raise funds for important causes? Do you run or walk in events? What charities do you support?
Slap hands ~~~~~~~~ Angie Mc
Family Love Does More 
Congratulations Angie! You, Ian and all participants are AWSOME!!!! (:
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! We had a terrific time, even JP who needed to get up at 6am much to his distaste 😀
LikeLike
Congratulations!! I support MS fundraisers, but unfortunately I am not able to run or walk for long distances. Good for a few of my friends that run for me in races in Charlotte.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Keep doing what you do! We’re dreaming big and dreaming often, right?! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to run, did myself some damage, now I walk. Love that you can share this with your family. I gave birth to 2 with very long legs, I could never keep up, so I wish them well and cheer on the sidelines ! Enjoy your Sunday, Angie. ☺ Van
LikeLiked by 1 person
Since I never ran, my knees are doing well so I’m going to enjoy the ride while it lasts! My son, Ian, is also long-legged and usually runs well ahead of me. He hadn’t trained for the one so we chose to hang out together. It was lovely. Happy Sunday to you, too, Van! I can hear you cheering from here, thank you 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Run, Forrest, Run” !!! ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
This girl sure is a running fool 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Angie great finish and goal of supporting the organization – cancer awareness is one that never leaves. I’ve run for Ronald McDonald House – an awesome organization that I love being a part of. Have a wonderful week ahead, you should take a bow for your finish!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mary! And how awesome that you have run for Ronald McDonald House. I’ll bow if you will 😀 Happy week ahead, friend ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations – well done and wonderful achievement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mihran ❤ Have a beautiful day!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Angie! A great cause, and you shared the experience with your son. He won’t soon forget it … you may be going to a lot of races in the future!
LikeLiked by 1 person