ADVERTISEMENTS

So I ran in my first 5k race ever for the 2010 Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure on Saturday, June 12. And this is kind of a big deal, because I am a lot closer to 50 than to 40, and my knees are actually 80.

Real running. Not "woggin'" - mostly because some strange video-game mentality overtook me as soon as the race started. I became single-mindedly focused on aiming for rare openings to squeeze through the 15,000 or so walkers and runners who did the recreational walk, run, trot, meander, amble - whatever they felt like doing.

I found myself barreling across streets, sidewalks and drainage ditches, like the course was some kind of military exercise, or I was being chased by Wile E. Coyote, constantly squeaking, "Excuse ME!" (which probably sounded a little like "Get the *beep* outta my way!" or The Road Runner's warning "Beep-Beep!") - all in an effort to keep moving forward.

Because I knew if I stopped to walk, my goose was cooked.

So my little sister says (instead of "Wow"), "You really ran it? I just thought you posed in a cute outfit with a number on it for that picture on Facebook."

And my oldest daughter, the graduate student, says (instead of "Wow), "I didn't know you could run."

Like she hasn't seen me run like heck when someone yells, "Pie!"

Sheesh.

This post does relate to the paralegal profession and the benefits of membership in a professional association. While I had been thinking about doing a 5k, I couldn't quite work up the nerve to try one.

But when I got an invitation from Patti Clapper, the president of the North Carolina Paralegal Association, to join their team at the race, I registered within seconds of receiving her email. Not only because I love NCPA, but because my husband is a cancer survivor.

So I guess it's Patti's fault I got in touch with my inner Road Runner, beeping and careening up and down the very hilly obstacle-filled course, like some crazed paralegal trying to get to the courthouse before the doors shut. (Oh. Wait. Maybe I prepared for this race my entire working life...)

But that's a good thing. NCPA inspired me to do something I'd always wanted to do - and I can't wait to do it again.

(The photo is of Patti, Alyssa Mozingo, Crystal Robinson, and me, post-race.)

Bloggers, promote your law blog by nominating your blog for inclusion in USLaw.com's Law Blog Directory and RSS Reader. Benefits described.