I was invited to come to the Terrapin 5k last night, to meet the "Blade Runners". The "Blade Runners" are a group of amputee and other differently abled individuals who participate in different 5k events in the Chicago area. I decided to volunteer for the event, since I love helping out and organizing. I showed up, got suited up in my official volunteer shirt and badge, and was placed at "gear check". It seemed simple at first: rip the top part off the bid number, attach it to the bag with a zip tie, and throw it in the box that matches. Simple. Ha. Simple until you have 8,000 people all throwing a bag at you, then asking for their bag because they forgot something, all while asking you for directions to the start line, in 100 degree heat. I'm not sure why people bring 40 pound backpacks to a run... I'm strong for my size, but I'm not a body builder. I stuck it out for about 2 hours before I snuck away. :) And somehow managed to sneak another volunteer shirt (they were nice running sweat wicking shirts). I found the "Blade Runner" tent, right as the run started, and met a few of the volunteers who work with them. The tent was littered with bags shoes, and legs. Tons of legs. No longer than 30 minutes later, I watched the team come in, and knew that I was so in. Everyone was so open and welcoming to me, answering questions and giving me advice. I must say, I think in order to be a prosthetist for Scheck and Siress you need to be drop dead gorgeous. :) Totally thought I was at Seattle Grace Hospital allowing Mcdreamy and Steamy check out my leg. Definitely made some connections, and leaving the race I knew that I would be running with them very very soon. Even thinking about doing the September 16th 5k up in Bucktown :)
Today I had the day off, and decided I was sick of checking out Nike running shoes online. I went downtown only to find out that Niketown is remodeling and is closed until the Fall. A little bummed out, but ended up hitting up Water Tower Place instead, which, for a girly girl who loves to shop, is not exactly an awful place to be. I got some awesome kicks which will definitely help provide a more supportive run. Best part is that they are grey and PINK! :) I also found a great running gear duffel in bright pink.
My knee is finally starting to feel normal again, and I was able to do my little "hop-skip" down the subway stairs without feeling a stringing pain shooting through it. I'm still taking it easy, but am thinking about going out Saturday or Sunday for a short jog to see how I feel. Next time I write... I'm sooo gonna be up and running :)
ok... had to pose in each shirt hehe
offiicial "blade runner" team shirt
Terrapin 5k shirt
Second Volunteer shirt... that I didn't steal... just borrowed for... um.. ever :)
new kicks :)
yay pink! :)
Well, what can I say cept that I love love love reading your entry. Feel like I am not so far away. And yep love the shirts, the bag and the kicks, especially the tie dye one. Ya do know that is a gerry garcia take off. Glad to hear that you are feeling better with the knee thing and that you are back on the streets running. Wish that I could be there for the run, ya never know. If I could make it, I be there for ya. Until then, keep on writing and blogging. It is great. Wish that some of my people would stop posting stupid shit on Facebook and pics of their kid that we KNOW WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE ALREADY, and read something that could possibly change their lives. Oh well, keep on keeping on. Or should I say truckin! I love ya, your biggest blade runner fan, mama
ReplyDeleteHi peanut, big Daddy here on mom's page. Little girl in the big city and she is RUNNING the show! I think once you get some training from an experienced blade runner you will be flying about town and the knee pain will be forgotten. You know this daddy guy use to run cross country in HS to get ready for basketball season. The races were 2 1/2 miles long and in practice we'd run 5-7 miles everyday. It was hard but I remember when we'd run in basketball everyone else was dying and I was flying. So you running makes me smile so much knowing its one more thing the two of us have shared. Granted not running too much these days (does chasing your mother while walking Scruffy count?) but you make me soooo proud! Good job on the tee-shirt grab. You always had an eye and fast hands for the free stuff.Keep on trucking peanut and know that love and kisses are heading your way!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Dad
Read your blog and am very impressed! I'm so glad your knee is on the mend and you are involved with running, good work girl! Love you, gran
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