Race Updates

Hello all!
It's been a while, but May is very hectic at work so my weekends are kind of shot for racing. The only weekend I have really "open" is the weekend before Memorial Day Weekend, but who knows what I'll find to do then (MAM After Dark with Courtney!) I'm thinking of trying to do a 5K up north over Memorial Day weekend, but we'll have to see about that.
Anyway, I wanted to give you some feedback on some runs. First, the Rock N' Run: the race itself was kind of crappy because SOMEONE on the planning side mustn't have checked with the park department because they had to cut a 2.3-ish mile course down to about 1.5 miles due to a soccer tournament and a lacrosse game. While I prefer to NOT get hit in head by a lacrosse ball or run over by a soccer player, I do appreciate thoughtful planning. Also, their pre-registration pick up lines were insane and there were no promised chips for timing. On the plus side, the t-shirts were very cool.
The coolest part of the race was that it was like my very own slice of "The Biggest Loser". As I mentioned in my last blog entry, the girls from boot camp and a few other folks were going to run this together because it is Julie's first race. Julie is Coach Sandi's sister, and I first met her last fall when she attended camp as a guest. Julie, Coach Sandi, their sister Jeannie, Ellie (and her hubby Tom) and I ran together. Julie and Sandi's husbands were at the finish line with cameras, dogs and small children (who had dandelion bouquets for us!). Jeannie and Sandi are really great runners so they ran with Julie and I especially because they know we're a little slower. Julie set the pace and off we went.
At the finish line, Julie powered through and had a great time. Between all of us high-fiving and hugging and whatnot, Julie said thanks and that it's been a hard time/long road. I just wanted to hug her for finishing (although I think she could totally rock a 5K with no problems). I found out later that Julie has lost 170 POUNDS! That's right, Julie, who looks smokin' now, has worked her butt off and basically lost another person.
She's so amazing! I voted for her as the "most inspirational camper", but was OK with the person she lost to because it was me! That's right! I have the certificate hanging in my office to prove it (and posted here for you).
Another person that inspires me is my friend Melissa and her family that I told you all about a few posts ago. Her brother Jason has epilepsy, and they're the ones I'm going to do Brainstorm for in June. Not only does her family work really hard to raise funds and awareness about the Epilepsy Foundation, they have had to overcome some huge hurdles this past year with ups and downs in their health. Melissa's Dad had some MAJOR health issues, Melissa was having stomach issues, her husband got a concussion and now Jason had a status seizure over the weekend and was put in ICU. I wish I could order a vacation for this family!
If you haven't gone and checked Brainstorm or the Epilepsy Foundation out yet, please do. You can find out more here or by jumping back two blog posts.
Thanks to all the inspirational people out there!
And P.S. no volleyball this summer. Just running, horseshoes and softball. And probably some swimming...