I realized earlier today that I never blogged about the Susan Komen Race for the Cure last Saturday! I even have pictures this year - a first!

Emma and I woke up too early for a Saturday morning, dressed, stopped at McDonald's for breakfast, and headed to downtown Knoxville to the World's Fair Park.  This year, we timed our arrival perfectly to fit with everyone else's.  It was like trying to drive in a parade with a time limit.  We wandered around downtown in search of a place to park. I knew the city lots are free on weekends, but not where to find them. I did find a pay lot pretty close to the park, and we had been searching so long we were pushing it for the start time, so I decided it was worth the cost.  So did many other people. The lot was the kind that you put money in the machine and it prints out a receipt that you put on your dash. Without that, you get towed. There was only one machine, too, and a very long line.  After waiting in the chill for around 20 minutes, it was our turn at the machine. Exact change only.  Hmmm, ok. Shouldn't be a problem. I had stopped at the bank the previous evening for cash.  Opened my wallet - apparently McDonald's now had my only five dollar bill.  Oops! So we walk back to the car to find another lot - or change.  Then I realize I did have a five stuck elsewhere in my wallet! Back to the end of the line...

We finally got the car squared away and headed down to the park for the race. Stop in the bathroom (ooh it was so warm in there!) and then on to the race.  As we approached, the timed runners were taking off.  Just in time! Last year we lined up at start time and it was almost an hour from the runners starting until we were able to start - they let the participants through in groups, I suppose to avoid people gridlock.  We decided to check out the vendor booths before we started, since many could be emptied out by the time the race ended. We got a banana and a bottle of water from the Kroger booth, various other goodies from businesses around town, then after 15 minutes went to the bridge to start out on our 5k. 

One problem - I don't know if it was the rain in the forecast, the chill, the economy, or what, but apparently the race wasn't as crowded as the previous years.  We had missed the 5k completely! Pat Summit was gone, the fire truck at the start was gone. Instead we had the annoyance known as Ronald McDonald throwing a ball around and clowning it up for the walkers in the 1 mile Family Fun walk.  Oops.

I was a little disappointed, but thought that after the incident of the previous weekend (you know, when I moved the furniture around) the shorter walk might be a good idea.  We took our time, the course was easier, and we finished as the first of the runners were finishing the 5k.  At the finish of the race, survivors are separated from everyone else participating and are given special recognition. Every year I get teary as their names are read when they cross the line. This year one of the walkers near us was currently undergoing treatment - one of her chemotherapy nurses was a few paces behind us and they kept shouting encouragement to each other.  They inspired me.  Yes, my legs ached and my belly pulled, but I am not fighting for my life.  Those people are why I do this every year.

We visited a few more vendor booths, and this time got yogurt from Kroger.  We sampled new Fuze drinks and had our picture made. Then we decided to head home. As we driving home, the rain started. The forecast had called for a rainy morning and clear afternoon, but I was very thankful the opposite was true.

When we were home, I laid down for a couple hours (see:? I can be good sometimes!) and Emma was already planning out next year's 5k walk.  Next year will be different, though - we'll be pushing a stroller along with us!