Race #8/12 - Bubble Run -- postponed

If you have been following my blog, you know that I had set a goal to do one 5K a month for a year.  I choose my races for different reasons: The charity partner, the cost, the location, the type of 5K, etc., and they are planned and paid for far in advance. September's 5K was the Bubble Run on September 28. Well, imagine my surprise/disappointment Friday morning when I received the following:

Portland Bubblers,
We have had to make the extremely difficult decision to postpone your Portland Bubble Run. While we are not afraid of a little bit of rain, the forecast is calling for several inches and 20 MPH winds over the weekend. Not only does this sound uncomfortable for our athletes, but the winds and low temps create potential safety hazards for you and our crew. Also, we don't want you all turning a 5k into a 10k when you start chasing around bubbles that are being blown to Mt Hood by high winds. Winds and heavy rain would turn your Bubble Run into a lame jog around the park. We know you can run a plain old 5k anytime. You registered for Bubble Run for a completely unique experience and that is what you will get on August 9th, your rescheduled date. Of course, you are all automatically registered. If you are already on the way to packet pickup, we will be here for a bit. Thanks for your understanding PDX, we will anxiously wait until next summer when the weather... not gonna jinx it.  

Those of you know me, know that I am most definitely a Type A personality and when I say I am going to do something, I almost always do it.  I was freaked out about finding/doing a 5K this weekend on such short notice. With the help of others, I found a race that was happening rain or shine on Sunday.  I decided that since I made the rules of this game, I could change them so I decided to take the weekend off as I am leaving next weekend on vacation, my knees have been stiff with the change in weather, and I will be doing a LOT of walking and even a virtual 5K while on vacation.  For those of you who have no idea what a virtual 5K is (neither did I), I would suggest you google it or you can wait until I return from vacation and I will post all about it.

So, since I am not doing a 5K this month due to circumstances beyond my control, I decided to think of the reasons why I love to walk...here is what I came up with. 

Forty-Five Reasons I Walk

1. I walk to leave my troubles behind.
   
2. I walk to move forward.
   
3. I walk to be alone.
   
4. I walk to be with others.
   
5. I walk to push myself to my limits.
   
6. I walk to test myself.
   
7. I walk to compete with others.
   
8. I walk to compete against myself.
   
9. I walk to think about everything.
   
10. I walk to think about nothing.
    
11. I walk to listen to my heart.
    
12. I walk to listen to my thoughts.
    
13. I walk to listen to my music.
    
14. I walk to listen to the quiet.
    
15. I walk to take in the scenery.
    
16. I walk to just get out and go.
    
17. I walk to break in my shoes.
    
18. I walk to buy new shoes.
    
19. I walk to salute the sun.
    
20. I walk to be in nature.
    
21. I walk to have a routine.
    
22. I walk to be spontaneous.
    
23. I walk to breathe.
    
24. I walk to relax.
    
25. I walk to energize.
    
26. I walk to reach new goals.
    
27. I walk to reach new heights.
    
28. I walk to reach new distances.
    
29. I walk to get sweaty.
    
30. I walk to become breathless.
    
31. I walk to get vitamin D.
    
32. I walk to manage my weight.
    
33. I walk to enjoy that dessert
    
34. I walk to be fit.
    
35. I walk to be healthy.
    
36. I walk to have great legs.
    
37. I walk to have great lungs.
    
38. I walk to be faster.
    
39. I walk to be stronger.
    
40. I walk to get better.
    
41. I walk to escape.
    
42. I walk to be present.
    
43. I walk to be mindful
44. I walk to be a better person.
45. I walk to feel alive.
    

I walk because I can, and as long as I can walk, I will. I started walking several years ago and could barely handle 10 minutes of it, but I kept at it -- and I'm sure glad I did.  Three-and-a-half years, countless races, and thousands of miles later, "walker" is now a big part of my personal identity.  I walk in rain, snow, and wind.  I walk through every season and at every time of day. I walk for the fun of it. Some may think that's crazy, but other members of this special club understand. When you choose to join (we're always welcoming new members), you'll understand it, too.