AHA Heart Mini Year 2...

This is the second year I've been able to participate in the AHA heart mini to raise money for heart disease research/treatment and run a fun race through Cincinnati.

We were blessed with AMAZING weather this year.  Last year amid the drizzle then down pour of rain I was able to enjoy the event.  However, with a great weather the event was so much more enjoyable.  The race started bright and early (7:45am) for the half-marathon.  The course was the same as last year, which is good and bad since I knew where to expect the horribly steep hill.  Although it wasn't my best time, and I felt like puking for at least a mile I still enjoyed myself.  I knew I was running for a great cause and that PB and J sandwiches were waiting for me at the finish!

What added to the event was seeing fellow developmental biology students participating!  The race raises money for such a great cause, not only is heart disease the #1 killer of people in the US, but the American Heart Association provides opportunities for students, like me, and others to receive funding for our research.

Race in review...

Last Sunday I participated in the AHA heart mini.  I ran the 1/2 marathon, the first time they've offered this length of an event.  Usually the events are 5k, 10k, or 15k.  I have to admit that this course was very challenging.  So many hills!!!  At one point I think I could have walked up a hill more quickly than I was running.  After combating the hills of Cincinnati we headed across the bridge to newport, KY  to run a few miles then head back across another bridge to downtown before we finished.  (The bridges added more hill work.)

If the hills weren't enough a challenge we also had a bit of rain.  About an hour before the event was scheduled to start I arrived downtown and then rain started.  Luckily, I had an emergency poncho with me in my handy dandy duffle bag.  After about mile 1-2 the rained died down and it was just cloudy and cool the rest of the race.  After the race the rain started again.  It was a perfect window of dryness.  I'm so glad I finished before it started coming down again.

Overall, it was a great race.  Even with all the hills I set a new PR of 2:01:36.  Totally surprised myself!  I think the extra strength training is paying off!!! I think I'm in a good place for training for my next marathon....the disney world marathon Jan. 2012!

AHA heart mini

One cause that's very near and dear to me is heart research.  Nearly a quarter of all congenital heart anomalies are heart valve malformations.  As a heart researcher myself, I understand the need for contributions to organizations that fund this critical researcher.  I investigate gene regulation during heart valve development.  I chose to do heart valve development research because my Grandmother had her aortic valve replaced at age 60, and so have several of my great-aunts and great-uncles.  In a way, my research is helping me understand a disease that directly affects my family members and potentially me.  Also, as a member of Alpha Phi Fraternity and a regular contributer to the Alpha Phi Foundation, who is the largest supporter of women's heart disease research, heart disease advocacy has been a part of my life for nearly 10 years now!

This year one of my goals is to run a race where I can raise money for a cause that means a lot to me.  Hopefully, accomplishing a goal early in the year will help motivate me for all the other goals I've set for the year.

Please consider contributing even just a couple dollars to this cause for those that you know that are impacted by heart disease or congenital heart malformations!

Thanks everyone!!

_Mary