cibc run for the cure

Me, just before the run began. A kind stranger
took the photo. :-)


This morning I participated in the 5k CIBC Run for the Cure, which raises funds for research that benefits those affected by breast cancer and other types of cancer. Today I ran for Katherine Parkinson (Parki's and Kate's mom), who died of pancreatic cancer.

It was a good run. Very chilly in the beginning, but we were all stripping off layers by the end. :-) Like last year, I found myself moved by different "I'm running for..." signs people were wearing, thinking of all the heartbreak and inspiration represented by each name, by each runner.

It felt good to be part of something like this. I have raged about how much I hate cancer in earlier Blatherings, and how helpless I feel sometimes when it comes to seeing people I care about being affected by it, directly or indirectly. Participating in the Run for the Cure is a very small drop in the bucket when it comes to the big picture, I know, but at least it's a drop, and it gives me hope.

Here are a few photos from this morning...



Apparently 30,000 people attended the Toronto run today.
Some walked, some ran, some were pushed in wheelchairs,
others pushed strollers (double strollers, even!).



Lots of free samples! You could get free tofu, toothpaste,
sunscreen, Powerbars, other stuff.




One of the bands along the route. I think this is
the engineering band from the U of T.




Even Elvis impersonators! :-)

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