So many mother runners are already aware of breast cancer, including our own Katie, that it seems almost like overkill to devote October to becoming even more aware. Yet breast cancer remains the second leading killer of women and there are more than 3.1 million U.S women who have been or are currently being treated for it. Most of the women in the Tribe have been affected by breast cancer, as a patient or as a sister, daughter, mother, or friend. 

We’d love it if you’d wear pink Wednesdays this month (yes, a few of us at Team AMR are Mean Girls fans). We’ll be reminding you on Tuesdays because, honestly, who can’t use a reminder? When you wear your pink tomorrow, take a picture of yourself and join us over on Facebook. We have easy-to-use profile picture overlays to show your support for BAMRs with breast cancer, increase awareness, and drive conversations. If you like to DIY your own overlays, click here.

Speaking of Katie, who has been writing about her running after breast cancer journey, this week it’s her turn….

Well, I did it!  I ran the Denver Rock N Roll Half Marathon last week! My 10-month long training plan (with about 8 weeks of time off due to surgeries and procedures) paid off and I can’t wait to do another one next spring! In case you guys don’t know the secret, I figured out the key to getting through your first half/marathon/10K, whatever distance it is. Go find an amazing BRF to run it with you!  My friend Jill, who you’ve seen before in my blog posts, said yes without hesitation when I asked her a few months ago if she wanted to run it with me. Not only did she pace me the entire time but she kept me entertained with stories and didn’t mind when I couldn’t talk back.

 

Here we are at the starting line: 6:58 a.m.

It was a gorgeous, blue bird day in Denver and the temps were perfect: 38 degrees at the start then it warmed up to about 50 by the time we crossed the finish line. The crowd was jazzed up and we saw friends along the way, including Coach MK cheering all the BAMRs on at mile 12! My favorite part of the race was when I looked over and saw Dan and our girls standing there, with huge smiles on their faces. I totally broke race code and almost took 10 runners out as I ran over to give them a hug. I hope they look back in 10 or 15 years and remember that moment — the one where they realized that Mom is OK. I don’t look the same as I used to, but I’m a stronger and healthier version of me, transformed by cancer.

Crossing the finish line.

October, as we all know, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I remember participating in my first Susan Komen race in Kansas City 15 years ago when my Mom was diagnosed. Last year, all of our family and friends did the walk with us in Denver. It’s amazing what can happen in 365 days. I beat cancer, my hair grew back, and I ran my first half marathon at the age of 40. There’s a lot to be grateful for. 

Lots of pink supporters last year at the Susan Komen Race!