A journey of 6.2 Miles

One of the things that kicks off Springtime in the RVA is the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10K.  To me it is one of my personal favorite traditions of Richmond.  I've been doing it since I was 18yrs old and love it!  
On April 1, 2000 a new tradition in Richmond was born and has continued to grow for the past 15 years.
So why is the the Monument Avenue 10K the best?

1.  It benefits the Massey Cancer Center - a cause that is near and dear to my heart since I have lost many loved ones to cancer.  Just over a year ago I lost my Grandad to cancer.  It surprised our entire family and there was little time to react to the news that he had terminal cancer that took his life 6 weeks later.  As I went to the Pre -10K expo and signed the Massey Cancer Banner my thoughts went to my Grandad.  He was such a great man that I continue to miss everyday.  I started partcipating in this event many years ago and now it has more meaning than ever to me.  I run in loving memory of my Grandad Taylor and all the others who have fought to survive cancer.


2.  I do it because I can - it occurs to me daily the blessing that I have to be able to walk.  I know what it is like not to be able to walk and to be confined to a wheelchair.  Surviving my accident made me value my body and the everyday things that I can do independently.   It has been a

challenge to be strong again and little by little I continue to get there.  I still face challenges and am now have a better understanding of why my doctor said I probably won't be able to run.  I can do it but my body isn't happy doing it because it causes pain in my knees (ITB issues) related to pelvic weakness.  This is tough for me to accept and even now I am still determined to beat the odds.  For me it is about strength, health, setting a goal, the mental process of putting one foot in front of the other and taking pride in every step I take along the journey of 6.2 miles.  I shaved 10mins off last years finish time this year, yay!!!  My goal is a half- marathon one day.  It was a goal before the accident and is one that I still hope to achieve.

3.  the RVA Community - if you have never done the 10k or volunteered to help out with it or even been a cheerleader on the sidelines than you are missing out!  I love and appreciate all those that do so much to make this event happen. Plus, Ukrops is one the sponsors and who can resist their Post 10K whitehouse rolls at the after party. So many people in some way, shape or form come out to support it.  I also love that the handicap come out and participate.  Last year and this year I was inspired by those around me.  There were blind people doing it, a lady with a prosthetic leg and a man in a recumbent bike pedaling his way to the finish line with men beside him making sure he had a clear path.  That to me is amazing and inspiring! 
                                                                                   ANYONE can do the Monument Avenue 10k!!!  

4. the Historic Monument Avenue - I used to live on Grace Street just off Monument Avenue and have been enjoying walks/runs down Monument Ave for years.  Now I work off of Grove and sometimes after work will go for a walk down Monument before going home.  Monument Avenue is lined with architecture, landscape and historical statues.  A large median on this avenue contains statues of importance to Richmonders and Virginians: J. E. B. Stuart; Robert E. Lee; Stonewall Jackson; Matthew Maury and Arthur Ashe, Jr. It is also known as a hot spot for Richmonders where you can find people walking/running, walking dogs, playing games and picnicking in the median.

~In Memory of All of those that have lost loved ones to Cancer~
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight , I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."