Santa Monica 5000 5K

I participated in the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 this past Sunday. The last time I did a 5K was so long ago I don’t even remember – maybe two years. Now that I think of it, I think my last 5K was the UCLA Bruin Run 5K spring 2009. It was a great morning to be outside – overcast and cool. The course is similar to the Santa Monica Classic starting near Main Street by Oceanpark and making its way to Ocean Blvd, and then looping back for a total of 5K to the Pier. I was still having some discomfort, so I both ran and walked. It felt good to do a race again. There were a lot of elites at this race too. Thanks to Valentino and his son Antonio for coming out, and congratulations to Antonio on his first 5K! We had pancakes after. The line wasn’t nearly as long as the one for the Say No to Drugs Race. The only downside was the 30 minute walk back to my car. But really who can complain with such weather and ambiance?

Thanks to anyone who has donated in support of my races to the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The Santa Monica 5000 helped benefit Saint John’s Health Center which is John Wayne’s umbrella organization. Please consider a donation to my site at www.firstgiving.com/nazbanoo before I stop accepting donations later this year.
Thanks and happy racing!

My First 5K and Yours too

My first 5K was a charity run in 2007. I was covering a lecture for the Sun Community Newspapers in September- An event at the El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana hosted by an affiliate group in support of the Jewish Home of the Aging. I had recently started running seriously, and the goal of a 5K two months away was both feasible and exciting. I liked the Jewish Home too and wanted to help with this worthy cause. I set up my fundraising site through kintera.org and by that December, I had raised $500 and set an all time PR with my first 5K.

It isn't difficult to raise money when you are promoting a good organization and putting your feet where your mouth is. I had fun that first race, and it eventually led to many more 5Ks, 10Ks, a couple of half-marathons, and three marathons.

Would you like to set a goal to complete your first 5K? If so, I encourage you to do so at the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 on September 12, 2010 and choose the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) as your cause. Just like the Jewish Home for the Aging, the JWCI also has affiliate groups that support the mission of the institute. Partners in Progress is one of these groups. They help raise funds that promote institute functions not commonly supported by charitable donations such as lab and specimen maintenance and education & outreach.

I raised $500 when I ran my first 5K. How much will you raise?

First, register for the Lexus Santa Monica 5000 on September 12th. Then, set up your http://www.firstgiving.com/ fundraising page, or use the one Partners in Progress has established for the group. Then, start contacting your friends and family. You will be surprised at all the people in your life who will support YOU and the your cause.

And let me know if you sign up!

Happy running,