February Run - Good for the Heart

9th Annual Valentine Fanconi Anemia Run/Walk 

 
February is all about birthdays in our family. There is lots of love to go around and to be thankful for each one of them. My February Run was all about love and support when I signed up for a Valentine's Day Run downtown Portland. Once I had signed up I realized that this was the Central Catholic family event that they have been putting on for years after their son had died at 21 from this genetic disease called Fanconi Anemia. He was Chris' age and I remember him talking from time to time about the family dealing with this rare disease. I was excited to be able to support this worthy cause and support a NE Portland family. 

 Race day was an early morning on the waterfront but the Sun was out and spirits were high. They had a DJ playing some pump up music while runners warmed up. The course was a straight shot down the waterfront to the  South waterfront and back. They tossed in some curves around the buildings and through the streets. They had lots of volunteers cheering us on and holding up traffic. Some kids even marked the course with sidewalk chalk hearts and notes the whole way, very cute!

My foot had been hurting for a couple days and it wasn't any better that morning, plus my knee has been acting up. I figured it was only temporary pain for a quick little run. My time was about 30 minutes, I placed 20th in my age group and 108 overall out of almost 400 for the 5k run. As I was about ready to go find Chris, my Cheerleader/ Chauffeur that morning, I had noticed a table with people filing out some paperwork. I decided to check it out and I followed the process to be on the bone marrow registry. That is my proudest moment walking away from the run, was being on a list to hopefully be the hope for someone else that might need my match. 
*Here is a link to the website for more information about the event Valentine Run Portland.
**For more action packed photos of me click here: bib# 46!