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The small dose of springlike weather this weekend has done more than melt away some of the snowy landscape, it has reintroduced my running shoes to the pavement. Although I am a novice runner, I vowed that, this year, I would participate in events that motivate and challenge me. There are so many fun and competitive races happening nearly everywhere across Michigan geared toward both novices like me and hardcore competitors alike. For me, the event that awoke the runner within was the For Women Only 5K Run/Walk located at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Campus in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Running was never my passion, and like most things in my life, I stumbled into it. My friend Wendy, who is ultra competitive, invited me to the Women Only 5K and I took the bait. The idea of running in an official race was so exhilarating, not to mention an instant boost to my self esteem. I remember my pre-race training runs with my favorite workout companion, my dog Buster. We would run through the streets of Royal Oak, and as we passed people by I would of mutter to my self, “excuse me, pardon me, We’re on official business, I have a race to run.” By the time race-day came I was, needless to say, a little excited.

This year I will be participating in the For Women Only 5K Run/Walk Sunday, May 17, 2009. In addition to providing a climate where women can compete in a relaxed and inspirational environment, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a cause of your choosing. The choices are: Livestrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, aiming to prevent cancer through screening and improving quality of life of those effected, or Safehouse Center, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Washtenaw County, or Girls on the Run of Southeast Michigan, a group that helps girls age 8-12 learn healthy eating and exercise habits and encourage positive self-esteem.

It’s hard to imagine how I would have spent my free time if I never would have accepted the offer to run my first 5K race. Most likely I would have been a permanent fixture on the couch. With that said, let me be the first to extend an invitation to you. Women of the world, will you run or walk in your first 5K?

-Julie

The finish line is only the beginning . . .
26th Annual
For Women Only 5K Run/Walk

Sunday, May 17, 2009
Headquarters: The Ellen Thompson Women’s Health Center, located in the Specialty Centers Area
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Campus
5320 Elliot Dr., Ypsilanti, MI 48197