Un-McFilled

Months of preparation, organizing, crafting, brainstorming, emails and phone calls, worrying if anyone will show, worrying about too many people showing...and then it's over, in like, two hours.

If you've ever planned a wedding, you know what I am talking about.

This is exactly how I feel about last Sunday's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It was my second year heading up Team McLovin and I tried pulling out all the stops - with some successes and some failures.

I'm trying hard to focus on the successes, which include:

- Raising over $12,000 which will directly benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

- Having almost 75 team members this year.

- Our adorable team t-shirt was recognized as one of the five finalist for best team shirt (sadly, we didn't win best in show).

I can't pinpoint why I feel so unfulfilled. And, I've been seriously questioning if I'm going to undertake such a project again next year. My friend threw out the idea of having a committee organize the team and event. I like it, but I'm such a control freak that I don't know if I'd be less stressed or more!

Come back tomorrow to see more pictures from the race!

Behind the Scenes - OC Register Photo Shoot

Two weeks ago, I got an email from the Orange County Register Health editor asking if I would be interested in submitting a personal essay detailing my experience with breast cancer for a special edition insert that will run the week before the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Orange County.

It wasn't like the editor randomly found me and had to have my story for her readers. I submitted my name and a few details through the Komen OC website but never imagined the O.C. Register would be interested in me.

48 hours later, a photographer was at our house taking pictures of Audrey and I that will run with the essay! I had a friend come over to help get my kid to smile for the camera - and thank God, because Audrey didn't want to have her photo taken..at first. Lots of tears but with a little coaxing she recovered nicely and was ready for her close up. She even told the photographer to stop taking pictures so she could go use the potty. Can someone say D-I-V-A?

I wish I had requested final sign off on the photos they use (now who's the diva?). I'm just afraid they'll use one taken from an unflattering angle (read: double chin, muffin top, flabby arms, etc). I won't know until I see it in print the weekend of September 18th.

Check back here on Monday, 9/13 for a few spoilers from my essay and an explanation of how I might be misquoted. Yikes.

I'm Running this B*tch!! Maybe.

Sunday, September 26th is the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Newport Beach. This is the second year that I've organized a team. It's a fun day with friends and family and is truly inspirational to see so many breast cancer survivors. I'm really looking forward to it!

Last year, I had hoped to run (ha ha ha ha ha! me? run? ha ha ha!). I attempted a training program but aborted the mission quickly after having had surgery to remove my portable catheter (for chemo, not for pee). Anyhow, I used that as my excuse to stop training.

Though this year, my husband has encouraged me to train again. And how can I say no? He completed his first marathon this year. I can manage a 5K, right?

After reading about the amazing @amberpagewrites and her completion of the From Couch to 5K training program, I decided to give it a whirl!

Posing before my first "run" (er, jog...er, I'm walking longer than actually jogging but I'm trying!). And damn, does my ass hurt!

Let's Do It Again, 2010!

How do you like my snazzy new team slogan for the 2010 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure?

I'm excited and proud to announce that Team McLovin will participate again in the Orange County Race for the Cure on September 26th! Last year was totally and completely overwhelming for me. I couldn't believe the amount of support from friends and family. It was a very cool day!

I'm hoping for the same this year! I sent out a bazillion emails yesterday in effort to drum up registration and/or pledges. I know, it's not for another two months, but there is so much planning that goes into it and I'm trying to prepare better than last year.

My goals for Team McLovin:

1) Have at least 60 registered team members (we had 55 last year).

2) Raise $3,000 in pledges.

3) Find a local business to sponsor our team t-shirts.

4) Run. Maybe a little. {personal goal}

I'll post updates/news/info as it becomes available. Now, go register online at KomenOC if you haven't already!