EXCERCISING FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It's a devastating disease that robs a person of their ability to handle everyday activities and eventually their dignity. Recently, I learned that a childhood friend of mine who was also a bridesmaid at my wedding has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I am not posting her name out of respect for her family; but bless her heart, she's been a devoted wife for 35+ years, mother of two sons, a grandmother, and has always been considered one of the most beautiful girls in the city of Augusta, Georgia. But above her beauty and accomplishments in life, she's a fine Christian lady just like her mother. It just broke my heart when I heard the news!

Tomorrow, I have an opportunity to contribute a small amount of money and energy to help raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk 5k race is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, and research. Since 1989, Memory Walks have earned more than $230 million for the cause. So, bright and early Saturday morning, I will put on my workout pants and hit the pavement.

I was first introduced to 5k races by my trainer in Palm Springs, California. Leslie Shuffleton was an olympic rower and a great motivator for Miss Janice...who was at that time, a lazy, out-of-shape, former high school cheerleader. She encouraged me to enter my first race...it's was a 6k race up Tramway Road in Palm Springs. The Tram Road Challenge is one of the toughest road races in the West, starting at a 500' elevation and ending at 2,643' elevation in 3.7 miles. I trained for about four months and ended up crawling up that steep road y'all! When I crossed the finish line, I have to say I was very proud of myself. After that, I was hooked and participated in the race every year that I lived in Palm Springs and found whenever I was training...just climbing that mountain relieved all of my stress. That is what walking/jogging or any form of exercise does for me today. It's just a great stress reliever!

Here's a photo of Miss Janice and Leslie Shuffleton after my first race. Now that's Leslie's medal I'm wearing...she insisted that I wear it because "I was the winner that day," puleeeze! My entry bib, and a photo of moi looking delirious after I crossed the finish line! I know, I need to learn how to make my photos "clickable to enlarge." I just haven't got a clue!
Y'all know I'm going to show you What I'm Wearing tomorrow, but first I must tell you that recently, I received a comment from another blogger, Kathie Truitt at Hillbilly Debutante:

"Miss Janice, I am sure I speak for others when I say we want to see more pictures of YOU. Please accommodate." Hmmmm, Miss Kathy, my friend Teresa Jane has been telling me the same thing. Honestly, I kind of feel uncomfortable splashing photos of myself all over my blog and I'm so busy...sometimes when I leave the house, I am by myself, so there's no one to take my photograph. I promise, I will definitely start posting some photos of moi modeling my outfits. However, not tomorrow. No ma'am! That's not the day to start...when I'm going to jog for three miles. Oh no, I'll do it another time. So Here's What I'm Wearing for the 5k race...

My trusty black jogging pants for a cool morning with a plain black tee...pretty plain, huh?

Well, Miss Janice can't go out with a totally boring outfit! I'll have the hair in the usual ponytail, my Chanel cap, and yes I know they are out of style--but I'll be wearing my Burberry scrunchie. Yes, Miss Janice still wears scrunchies! I'm not throwing away my Burberry scrunchie!!! I will be wearing my pearl stud earrings...alas, but no pearl necklace--can't have it flopping all over the place! Since, I'll be timing myself, I'll have to wear my silver and gold Rolex. I'll throw on my jogging shoes and to add a bit more style, I will wear my Chanel fanny pack--to hold my Burt's Bees lip balm with pomegrante (no posh lipstick for the race y'all) and my I.D --just in case I fall out, Lord have mercy.
So, I always try to beat my own personal best...36:50--hey y'all...I'm doing the best I can!

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope that all y'all are able to get out this weekend and participate in some form of exercise!