the Lemon Run ~ a 4.6 mile fundraiser

This morning I had the great honor of participating in this small but really good running event -- Max's Ring of Fire & Alex's Lemonade Stand's LEMON RUN.  It was a 4.6 mile run around a San Diego County lake on a paved bike path.  The fundraiser benefits two organizations that raise money for pediatric cancer research.  A friend of mine is involved in one of them which is how I learned of this event.  The route was scenic since it followed the lake perimeter and mostly flat.  The course was the most supported course I have ever seen in a running event.  The 4.6 mile distance was the longest event so they only had water along the course, but they had water every mile of the course.  !!!  Registration included a short sleeved t-shirt, a few sponsor donations and a timed bib -- all for $30.  The finish line had more water, lemonade, bagels, bananas, oranges and a couple of Larabar varities.  This is better than some of the (much) larger events I've participated in.  And there were no crowds because it was such a small event.  I loved this event.  I loved participating in this event.  I loved making an additional donation for such an important cause.  I loved participating with friends who aren't runners.  I loved seeing all the happy, fun people out on the course today.  And I loved that, no matter how small my contribution was, I was there and made a difference. 

I ran this event with my friend who just signed herself up for a half marathon in January.  She's not a runner and when I asked this morning what pace she would run, she wasn't sure but estimated a time she was comfortable with.  We finished today almost a full minute faster per mile than she thought she could do.  I chatted the whole time to keep her distracted.  She was so proud of herself and finished feeling really good.  I love that.  I stopped steps before crossing the finish line so she could finish before me today.  She loved that.    

running for fun

This morning's 6 miler was run with friends on the beach. And it was fun. No, make that FUN. I don't know why I don't do this more often. We jumped over rocks and shells, watched the surfers catch some waves, and kicked up wet sand while the miles flew by. Don't be mistaken, it was tough as beach running always is. But to end the run with sand up to the backside of our knees, the smell of the ocean on our skin and having felt "adventurous"...? It was a fantastic way to start this Mother's Day weekend. With all the miles I log every week, more of them should be this much fun. Happy Mother's Day to all of you!