Blister in the Sun

New running shoes: $80

Pre-run nutrition bar and Gatorade: $2

Supporting brain-injured American soldiers in a local 5K run? $20

Watching Governor Rick Perry's tushie shake to and fro for 1 mile (that was as long as I could keep up with him): Priceless

Not that I like Rick Perry's tushie. Seriously. I'm a Democrat. I don't bat for the other team. But - it was a nicely shaped tushie. And he's definitely a runner. And I was kinda proud of myself for keeping up with him even if I couldn't do it once we turned east into the very, very hot morning sun.

By mile 2 I felt a burning sensation on both my heels.  Blister's were forming, but why look down and access the damage? There was nothing I could do at that point but run through the burn. That's what I get for switching from Brooks to Saucony. I never should'a worn a new brand pair of shoes on race day. Duh. 

I crossed the finish line at a poorly 31:13 absolutely drenched from head to toe. Did you see me on the news? I had a camera from K-EYE pointing at me as I finished. I'm sure I looked lovely. But still - given the heat and humidity and blisters, I've taken a deep breath and let that pathetic time go. I grabbed a fake HEB gatorade and a bottle of water and found myself a bench in the shade to check out my feet. Wow. So much for blisters. I had rubbed the skin completely off and had a nice covering of blood over the back of my new shoes (sorry...) I guess there is some truth to the idea that endorphins and adrenaline block out pain. Worked for me - until I got in the shower and the water hit it and it felt like tiny fires were being lit on both heels. Hail Mary Full of Grace the Lord is with Me... Fricka Fricka... OW Ow Ow OW!

I'll heal in time, but those brain-injury victims may never heal. They need all the support the community can muster together. This is why I plunk down $20 for each charity 5K race on weekend mornings. These races make the causes more real to me. I get a greater sense of satisfaction and feel like I am truly helping. And that's way cool.