The 1st Annual Great Prostate Cancer Challenge - DFW

First of all, I want to thank all of the participants of this very special event that I competed in last week, on Saturday September 10, The 1st Annual Great Prostate Cancer Challenge - DFW. Thank you to the walkers, runners, volunteers, and of course, the sponsors. Specifically, I want to thank ZeroCancer, DFW Runs, and all the UANT / USMD staff. The event took place at the Mavericks Activity Center (MAC) at UT Arlington.  Nationwide, a man dies from prostate cancer every 18 minutes, and affects 1 in 6 men. Almost 30,000 men will die this year alone. If those statistics bother you, then please do something about it by getting involved with this event next year. After I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June of 2007, I chose USMD Prostate Cancer Center as the place where I would have have robotic surgery. Now, after a successful surgery, changing my diet, and running, my PSA is still undetectable. Please help support this amazing facility by joining them at their third annual open house on September 24 from 10AM - 2PM. There will be tours, food, exhibitions on leading cancer treatment technologies, and you'll be able to meet Dallas Cowboy Hall of Famer Bob Lilly, and DFW Today personality Jody Dean.  The sponsors of this very important event were ZeroCancer The Project to End Prostate Cancer, Urology Associates of North Texas, USMD Prostate Cancer Center, Abbot, Amgen, Vantos, Hockey Fights Cancer, Cliff Bar, Muscle Milk, Chick-Fil-A, The Runner Shop, Honest Tea, Genghis Grill, Bob Moore Subaru, and many more. The live band sponsor was Sun and Ski Sports. Pam Turner Volunteered and organized an incredible team from USMD and UANT.  Jessica Sixkiller was the team leader for USMD, which included several doctors running with their children. These dedicated individuals included Dr. Rich Bevan-Thomas, Dr. Justin Lee, Dr. Cliff Vestal, and Dr. Scott Thurman. Paul Rothschild attended the USMD tent where he handed out free items to the runners. There was a special room inside the MAC for prostate cancer survivors and their families. USMD's Brenda May was there handing out free t-shirts, food, and drinks. She and the other volunteers also hosted drawings for gifts. There were about 12 different races on Saturday and a few more the next day, on September 11. I trained hard for this race with 25 beautiful ladies in the 10:30 pace half marathon group at Run-On! My 5K race started at 9 AM in front of the MAC, and looped onto the street, off campus, and around the neighborhood. There was no turnaround at this race, which was excellent. There were a few small hills, but I was determined to not allow that to slow me down; I wanted to run a good race so I could give proper thanks to USMD Cancer Center for all that they have done for me and all their other patients. I lined up on the 1st row ready to give all I could for this great cause. While I waited for the start, several prostate cancer survivors talked to me and said they had read my running blog, which made me feel great. Last week, my Garmin timing device didn't work, so I had a lady that I met from LSU reset it for me. Now I know my average pace when I am running, but still can't figure out how to see my per lap pace while I am running. I started out fast. After a long stretch, we turned left, off campus, then ran on a long straightaway. My mile 1 time was 7:56. To my surprise there seemed to not be many runners ahead of me. Most races, there are at least over a hundred that pass me up at the beginning of the race. I guess this motivated me more, as I kept running hard, not letting up. I even passed a few more runners on my way to the next mile marker. My mile 2 time was 15:38 (a 7:42 / mile pace). With about half a mile to go, I could see the finish area up ahead. I knew that my son John and his girlfriend and her children would be at the finish line waiting for me, so I did my best to maintain my pace. My mile 3 time 23:32 (a 7:53 / mile pace). I turned on the straight away back to the finish line at the MAC, and I could see the large Muscle Milk display around the finish line. I never look back in a race, because if you want to beat me to the finish line you are going to have to run past me. Everyone knows who I am because I wear a USMD Prostate Cancer shirt, and a sign in the front of my shirt to promote prostate cancer awareness, prevention, and to show support the organizations that have helped me overcome my cancer.   My final time was 24:04 (7:43 / mile pace), and a new personal best 5K. I finished 13th place overall out of 260 chip timed finishers, 1st out of 14 in my 55-59 age division, and 10th out of 110 men. You can see the full race results at mychiptime.com. There were 150 ladies that participated in the race, which was surprisingly even more than the 110 men. Thanks to you ladies for supporting this important cause. Do it now so you will not have to be a caregiver to your man later. Keep this race open on your calendar for next year and help me spread the word. Remember, September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. There is free prostate cancer screenings at many local hospitals. Thank You. I run to raise awareness for prostate cancer and to benefit my community. www.runningforacause.tumblr.com