Saturday, I participated in the 5K Walk for Life in support of Breast Cancer Research for the Palmetto Health Foundation.

Proceeds from the event are used to purchase equipment, such as digital mammography and ultrasound machines, that helps detect cancer in its earliest stages. Proceeds also help fund research, outreach and services provided to patients and their families.

It was an amazing experience. My parents came into town to cheer me on, and the weather was perfect on Saturday morning! Just chilly enough to bring a jacket, but not too cold at all. Those that know me know that I began a fitness and wellness journey at the end of June, and I’ve lost 28 pounds so far. Attending this 5K was more than just a walk to me – it was a huge accomplishment along my path to health.

It was so inspiring to be with all of those people, walking along the same path and for the same cause. More than 7,000 people signed up for this event, and we filled the streets of Columbia from one side to the other. There were countless women walking who had signs on their shirts proudly proclaiming how many years they had been a breast cancer survivor, and I couldn’t help but feel a visceral reaction to these brave women. They fought through breast cancer, made it to the other side, and they walked this 5K continuing to fight for others going through the same thing.

I couldn’t take any photos, because I was busy walking, but my dad took quite a few of the event that I’m happy to share below! If any of you are considering joining in next year, or on the fence about running/walking a 5K, I urge you to do so! Crossing that finish line is such a wonderful feeling!

I walked with my team at Verizon Wireless.

Valeda and I were showing off our shirts with little thumbholes in them. 😉

Otman was trying to hydrate the mascot…

We had a fun little group warm-up by the stage before we got going.

Star-Spangled Banner…

Even Spiderman showed up and caught my mom in his web…. 

I love this picture of my parents’ shadows! I’m definitely hanging this up in my house. Great job, Dad!

Neither me nor my dad know how he got his camera to do this double exposure, but I think it’s awesome just the same!

Hardcore puppy-runner…

Do you see the size of these hills we had to handle for this 5k? At one point I didn’t know if I was going to make it up one of them!

There I am at mile 3, and then I must say goodbye and run to the finish line – which I did! 

Valeda met up with me and ran the last tenth of a mile to the finish line – thanks, darling!

I love my parents so much. Thanks for coming out to support me, Mom and Dad!

I completed my goal. I knew I wasn’t going to be first, but I just didn’t want to be last! I wasn’t last by a long shot, either! My walk time was 1 hour, 15 minutes. That includes shopping for pictures at mile 3!  🙂

In case any of you are curious, here is the route we took from Finley Park:

 

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South Carolina Wedding Photographer, Portrait Photographer and Boudoir Photographer
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