RACE: Zachary Project, did not run

This morning was the Zachary Project 5K, the first race of the SpaceCoastRunners Runner-of-the-Year Series . I meant to wake up early to cheer some friends on, but even the sound and aroma of freshly-brewed coffee didn't get me up in time to make it to the start. I did get out of the house in time to possibly see people finish, but I didn't look at the event information closely enough. I had the time right, but not the location.

I initially drove to the Melbourne BCC campus. There were a lot of people but I didn't see the Running Zone finishing line system. What there was a lot of... pink:
Turns out, I was at the "Making Strides for/against Breast Cancer" event. *shrug* So I walked along the vendors, got some swag, then headed back out.

Oh, right... the race was more towards downtown. So I drove down there and arrived just in time for the Kiddie Races. I met up with some of my running friends, and I got a lot of "Did you run?" but was able to get away with the "I'm injured" (which I am) excuse (though it's more of a too-involved/tmi reason for not running this morning). Anyways, they all had good races for it being the start of the season, and I was just feeding off of their well-deserved endorphins.

"The Zachary Project, Inc. is non-profit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters’ children born with birth defects, affected by illness, injury or undergoes a catastrophic medical incident. Its purpose is exclusively charitable and 100% of the funds raised go to the families in need."

And the Zachary Project 5K is a race that has fire-fighters in attendance... some shirtless.

And with the combination of my friends Robin and Michelle, and my cell phone, a plan for a [shameless] picture with[/of] the fire-fighters was quickly implemented:
(omg, I love my girlfriends... it's like Epcot with Irene and Masayo all over again).

Anyways, it was a beautiful morning, and I'm glad that I eventually got there. I did feel like I needed to show my face.

Someone estimated about 250 runners, so that's a good start to the series. Running Zone always does a great job with their races, and the crowds were there to support.

Next weekend is the SCR ROY Series #2: the Fall Into Winter 5K up in Cocoa Beach, run On the beach. I won't be running, but I'll be up there in support... hopefully on time.