Susan G Komen 5K Race Report

I hadn't thought much about this race. It was the first race I ever ran 5 years ago, and I like to do it every year, especially since its for a great cause. I was wicked sad last year when I couldn't run because of my foot surgery.

I didn't lay out my pre-race outfit or really prepare at all. Instead, I got a decent nights sleep, and woke up early. After my regular breakfast, I tried to find the pinkest outfit I could. Got my gear together, then Kevin and I headed to Hartford.

It was a beautiful morning, sunny and around 70. My t-shirt and bib had come in the mail, so the only thing to do was check out the sponsor booths for free goodies. Pens, frisbees, water bottles, sweat bands, chapstick, all pink with the different companies logos, and 4 loaves of bread (which are mostly in the freezer now). After gathering the goods, we headed to the start, where Kevin sent me off.

pink plaid running skirt, pink CEP socks, new pink & black iFitness belt

I was itching for a new PR. Current is 30 and change, so I wanted to make it under 30 min. I figured if I could average a 9:30 pace, I would make it.

 We started 10 minutes late, and the crowds were so crazy, that it took a while to ramp up to a good speed. Surprisingly, my first mile was speedy, despite the people dodging. I clocked in at 9:11. Then, we hit the hills. The begining of the second mile, started with a big hill, then there were several more throughout that mile. 

We all know how I am on the hills. I slowed down, had to walk a bit of one hill, and clocked in at 10:26, yikes! I had some time to make up, so I tried to pick it up again, but I was getting tired. Thankfully the downhills started, and I was able to gain a little speed. I was struggling a bit, and had to take a few short walk breaks. Finally, we were rounding around Bushnell Park for the last time! Mile 3 was at 9:15. I sprinted toward the finish, which is almost the same finish line as the Hartford Marathon. 

Garmin time?

31:13

bummer, but Garmin also said a 3.25 mile course. 

Official 5K results

31:14, 10:15 pace

overall 577/968

age group 78/137

Booo! I was disappointed, but felt like I tried the best I could. Not under 30, and not a PR, darn it! I grabbed a banana and water, then took a quick picture with the pink cruiser, then headed home. I had a wedding to get ready for! (more on that later!)

Next race, Sprint Tri on June 26th!

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Getting screened

Not to get too serious ... but if anyone out there has lost their health insurance because of the economy and layoffs, that doesn't mean they have to skip their annual mammograms.

Komen and Texas Health Dallas are providing free screening mammograms to women who are uninsured or underinsured.

To apply, call 214-345-2598.

Guess I don't need to tell folks about the importance of mammograms. But in case I do, shoot me note. I'll connect you with my wife. She's alive and well today because of one.

Stephen O'Brien
Sr. Public Relations Specialist
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman

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Breast Cancer: Have you checked yourself lately?

The gene transformation in breast cancer can be passed trough the next generations of females in the family, especially if the family has only few females.
Based on the statistics,thousand and thousands of young women are added on this list of women diagnosed with breast cancer, that aren't given enough attention like proper genetic testing. Because most of these women didn't undergo any tests. Most of these women believe that It's not important, they thought that they won't get it because no one in their family has it.

Now the problem is Genetic testing, It is done while women already have breast cancer . So if a woman thinks that she is in a low risk of having this cancer, then she might be in trouble. Some people won't even tests themselves even if they're feeling something.Because they believe that it didn't run in the family which is absolutely wrong. Taking things like these for granted is a no no, My manager's sister is a living proof to this. They have no family history of this cancer. And they're all healthy but just last year she lost her other breast. would you wait for that moment to happen to you too?

You can consider other things to prevent this cancer from coming back, like taking estrogen-suppressing medicines like tamoxifen. Now it is still important to have genetic counseling if you have breast cancer right before you reach the age of 50. OR just simply visit your doctor if you have doubts. Never take this kind of things for granted.

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Breast Cancer: signs and treatment

A frequently asked question about breast cancers are the following: What age does a breast cancer be diagnosed to woman? What are the signs and symptoms of it? Can it be treated?

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancer that strikes women aside form cervix cancer. This is not frequently diagnosed to women aged 29 below. It usually women aged 35 above that shows signs of breast cancer. Most of the time cancer like this almost had no symptoms. There is a high percentage that a woman can have breast cancer in the future, if she belongs to a family that has a history of cancer, especially from the first degree like her mother or auntie, sister or first cousins.

The possibilities of malignancy is very high for women who have been diagnosed on her other breast or if her family has a history of this kind. Or woman who already had breast cancer. If your suspecting that you may have breast cancer, you must see these signs and findings:

• If you can feel any lump in your breast that is unclear of the shape and it seems like a small crab size.
• if you can feel any lump in your armpits.
• If there are changes in the appearance of your nipple
• If your breast is swollen and your skin look like orange skin

Physical examination of the breast is one way to find breast cancer. But even if you have one or more of these signs, it still doesn't mean you have breast cancer. Remember that most breast lumps turn out to be benign (not cancerous). So no need to worry so the best thing you can do right now is to see a doctor

Now, if the breast cancer is in the advance stage the moment it was diagnosed. A combination of operation and radiation is needed. Radiation therapy is use to kill those cancer cells that may still be left in the body after an operation.

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