May 31 – June 6, 2009
I went into DC yesterday to run in the Race for the Cure 5K. It’s difficult to run because there are so many runners and walkers — something like 50,000. And a lot of the walkers didn’t follow directions and started with the runners. There was a separate start line, and they were supposed to start 15 minutes after the runners. But I crossed the start line and there were already people walking, holding signs, etc.
So it was a little extra workout from your usual 5K, zig-zagging around walkers and slower runners, trying to find a good pace. I was happy that I managed to finish just over 29 minutes (I think — official results not posted but I had my Garmin.) At least it was a chip race this year. In the past it wasn’t. My clock time was somewhere around 37 minutes!
I got into the city really early. I was expecting to have to wait for a train, and for crowds. But I walked into the Metro station and right onto a train, and it left just a couple minutes later. I was meeting some coworkers for a team photo at 7:30, but I got there around 6:40. Plenty of time to find a port-o-pot (no lines!), pick up my donation voucher, and wander around. (They offered incentives to solicit donations. I procrastinated and didn’t get any donations until race week. I reached my goal before race day, but I didn’t get my voucher emailed to me.)
Anyway, that killed a little time. But I still had to wait for my coworkers. Fortunately, we were meeting at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden so I could entertain myself.
Eventually it was time to meet up. Folks gradually arrived, and we took a few photos. Then it was time to wait for the start!
Only the opening ceremony kept going, and speakers kept coming up. We just wanted to run! They ended up starting about 30 minutes late.
But it was a really good time. The event was very well organized. There were great vendor freebies at the finish, and the race had plenty of snacks and drinks available. I was impressed!
Also this week …
I’ve got some lazy cats.
And finally, I took this at the Cracker show last week, while waiting for the encore:
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Congrats on your run! That is a wonderful cause.
The sculptures are amazing, and the shot of the Capitol is wonderful. Nicely done!
Great photos!
Nice job in the race — and in the zooma half, too.
that sounds like a great event!!!! and you got some wonderful pictures 🙂
I love the Race for the Cure! Congrats on running it!
Neat pictures this week – I really like the 2nd one…the building (that I should know the name of) with the race in front of it. Cool.
I love that last pic (guitars!) And Really love the one with the Capitol in the background. 🙂 very cool. 50,000 runner/walkers?!! WHOA. I'll have to make sure and join that one next year, sounds great.
Congrats on another race! 🙂
OH aaand – wow, I'm so sorry. I just found the emails we had sent back and forth like almost a Month ago, and I hadn't responded yet. GAH – I'm getting caught up over here and hope to have something to ya this afternoon!
What a pretty spot to wait! love the last photo, and well done on the run
How cool! Maybe one day I'll be able to run a 5K in under 30. Nah, probably not. 🙂
Ahhh i love your cats! So pretty! great job on the race. Its hard running with so many people, especially walkers and such!
Awesome job on the run! Love the shot of the capital building.
Great time on the run – esp considering all the zigging and zagging. Your cats are preparing for the lazy days of summer already!
Aww– I love the Hirshhorn and hadn't been there for years, maybe even a decade! Thanks for sharing your photos and reminding me I need to visit!
Congrats on your race! And on that guitar photo . . . love the lighting!