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Running for the cure At age 50, after a fairly sedentary life, I decided to begin running. I joined the Carolina Godiva Track Club in March and started training for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure held in June. The race is a 5K. I began my training by running one minute and walking one minute. It was all I could handle. I trailed along behind the group, panting like a tired old dog, but I kept running. With lots of practice, my stamina grew, but I still didn’t think I’d be able to run the entire 5K race. On race day, I joined hundreds of runners at the starting gate. I wore a card on my back with the names of two friends who were breast cancer survivors—I wanted to run in their honor. Forty-five minutes later, I crossed the finish line. I ran the entire race. I sure didn’t set any speed records, but I finished! It was my proudest moment. Little did I know that in a few months, breast cancer would claim my mother’s life. Next time I run, it will be in her memory. One day, there’ll be a cure. Bonnie Earnhardt | Mebane | Piedmont EMC |
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