But you don't want to hear me complain about the weather. You're reading this to hear about our weekend in Napa. So I will oblige.
First, let me just be honest and say that it is less than ideal timing to go to wine country while knocked up. Yes it is gorgeous and all, but come on. Let's be honest here. Not being able to taste grown-up grape juice did put a damper on things. As did the fact that I couldn't run the race because of that stupid tendinitis. But once again, you didn't come here for me to complain. Now that I have gotten all that off my chest, I'll move on to the main event.
The whole weekend was really amazing. The 621 runners running Napa-to-Sonoma for Team Challenge raised $2.4 million for IBD research! And that was just one race--Team Challenge runners participate in multiple events each year.
On race day I camped out at the 7.5 mile marker with some other Team Challenge supporters. Wearing my finest orange and blue (oh I dislike those colors for football, but this is different!) I yelled and waved my signs and played my cowbell. Because cowbell makes everything go better. And who wouldn't be inspired to run faster by cowbell? Duh. But as I cheered I realized that the runners were really cheering and inspiring me. I kept getting so emotional each time I saw a Team Challenge runner because I know what a difference that efforts are making. Each orange singlet was one more person working to end IBD. And while most of those runners didn't know me or my story, they knew someone else like me who inspired them to give up their time and energy to work towards a cure. Because of them--and because of supporters like you, dear readers!--life is a little more enjoyable for the 1.4 million Americans living with IBD.
And as I ramble on, I'm realizing what a poor grasp I have of the English language, as I can't even begin to say what a big deal this weekend was for me. Team Challenge is an event where I'm "normal" and where people understand what I live with. Everyone there is touched by IBD in some way--we're one big, "crappy" family. (Oh trust me, the puns were in full force on the various t-shirts--anybody want to buy a bowel?) It's a place where everyone gets the tension between enjoying the good days when they come because of the ever present fear that tomorrow the disease is going to drastically change course.
Oh and the actual running part? Michael did great, although he did start out too fast. That's what happens when he doesn't have me as a running partner. Further proof that he needs me, if only to nag him to be smart while running. Feel free to insert your own jokes there about my brilliant running history.
So there you have it. My race recap. Again, THANK YOU to all of you for your support on this journey. We really couldn't have done it without you. And if you just kept forgetting to donate, you can still donate. Just click on the link to the right (cleverly labeled "Donate Now!") to make your tax- deductible gift to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. We have just a teensy bit left to meet our minimum and every bit makes a difference in the life of an IBD patient.
No comments:
Post a Comment