MLB All-Star Charity 5K

Today's early morning race was very fun and very quick! Runners of all ages and abilities gathered at Angels Stadium for the MLB All-Star Charity 5K Fun Run. Today's event raised money for cancer research and celebrated cancer survivors; what a great cause! My running buddy Brian and LifeGroup friend Huy joined me in today's race. Upon picking up my bib number #1236, I was surprised to find out we were getting official time tags for the 5K. Suddenly the fun run mode became a competitive "how fast can I go" race :) ... Race days bring out a positive energy and excitement that's so contagious! It's something in the air that penetrates into the body and my mind triggers - let's race!

Once the start gun sounded off, the crowd of thousands slowly filed through the makeshift barricades towards the start line. It took 10 minutes from where we were standing to get to the start of the race. Once we began running it was a game of dodging walkers, kids, strollers, and runners to get to an area where I could carry on a decent pace. The weaving in and out and then onto and off curbs lasted for the first mile. Suddenly out of no where, an older lady power walking in front of me tripped and fell onto the pavement. Ouch!! She ate the road hard! The competitive nature in me wanted to keep going and make great time, BUT naturally I stopped and helped the lady off the ground. Once I asked her if she was ok and her family came back to help her I took off and continued the run. Part of me felt bad and wanted to help her more, but what else could I have done?

The race ended with all the runners parading through the grounds of Angels Stadium field. This was the last .25 mile of the course and all the runners came to a snail's pace halt. Yes, it was very cool to run on the actual field but I wanted to SPRINT - not jog/walk! The aggressive part in me wanted to push and shove my way through the crowds, but the better part of me savored the moment and took in the beauty of an immaculate groomed baseball field for the All-Star Game. I felt like a little girl going to my first baseball game :) Very often I'm guilty of rushing through everyday life and not taking time to enjoy little moments and small blessings.

Stay tuned ... pictures to come soon!