#42 Free to Breathe 5K

The Free to Breathe 5K raises money for lung cancer research.  As we arrive, the announcer is praising the fundraising efforts of various teams, however one of the top fundraising teams is not in attendance this morning.  The announcer informs the gathered crowd that the individual for whom the team is supporting is at home taking their last breath.

Wow. Okay, that is a sobering thought for 8 AM.

This is a small race.  No race bib.  No timing chip. No crowds of supporters.  A small table at the end of the race with a box of bananas and several cases of water bottles for the runners after the race.  There are still numerous t-shirts and packets left to be picked up.  The colder weather has caused many cancellations. 

It was not a scenic run by any stretch.  The course loops through the industrial park and office buildings off of I-75 in Sharonville.  So we don't have a lot going for this race as we start out...  The weather, which has been unseasonably warm, has turned cold and the wind is blowing.  Not the way I wanted to re-enter the challenge after Maui, but...

I am a whiner.

I am healthy.  I am running /walking in 50 races for entertainment.  I am not struggling with lung cancer, or any cancer or any disease for that matter.  After this race, my biggest concern is where I will have breakfast.

All it takes is a little perspective, to figure out that you are doing okay-dokey.  We manage to finish in good time, under 45 minutes walking fast, if only to keep warm.

And breakfast tasted pretty sweet.