Race for Hope 2014

THE GOOD: Yesterday was my 5th year running for David Cook’s charity team. This was my first ever race in 2010 and is very special to me. On Saturday Dave put on an intimate acoustic show for the team and played 2 brand new songs (that I’m already obsessed with – here’s one).

THE BAD: My Garmin did not connect to satellites prior to the start of the race (first time ever). It really threw me because I was concerned about maintaining my pace/not going out too hard. Clearly I did indeed go out too hard and by the half way point water station I started to gag on water, I had to stop because I thought I was going to throw up. Dry heaves like whoa.  I had to walk for a few in fear of nearly throwing up. Despite my stop and walk I managed to finish in 31:13. After I finished I went to the medical tent – they gave me a glucose tablet and an anti-nausea pill. I felt better, but still not what I want a race to go or end. 

THE AWESOMELY AWKWARD: The past few years I’ve seen Dave on the course and usually just say hey/good job. Well this year I was actually running with my phone and since I didn’t get a photo opp with him Saturday at the concert, I figured a mid-race selfie would be perfect. About .50-.75 miles in I spotted him running solo and pulled my phone out. I ran up beside him and said I was going to attempt a mid-race/whilst running selfie. We ran a few strides together and I snapped the pic. Dave is clown and he saw my mouth open pose, so together we are awkward and it’s perfect. I’m impressed I was able to pull it off (without dropping my phone). I then sped past him and I’m pretty sure the rush of getting a pic with him further made me push too hard. Hey Dave you almost made me puke!

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Every RFH is unique and I look back on them with great memories. The different places I was living, the different levels of my fitness, the different training I put in, and the different people I was with. Despite not personally loving someone to a brain tumor – I know loss and I’m happy to channel my fundraising for a great cause and honor David Cook’s brother’s memory since David on Idol helped me get from week to week back when I was still reeling from the death of my dad. I should also mention David Cook and his team have raised more than $1 million for Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure!

Every year on the first Sunday of May you know where you can find me!