My name is Liz Pollard and I am from Dallas, Texas, and I bet you want to know why I am I participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge? Well, I've always been drawn to the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure, and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
I think the roots of this began when my grandfather, John Clark Pollard, died from pancreatic cancer when I was 11. Several years later, my other grandfather, William Caleb Etheridge, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition, several other members of my family, including me, have battled skin cancer (melanomas). Unfortunately, cancer is all around us and everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed, so we all need to be actively giving back, helping in the search for a cure. I may not be a doctor or a nurse, but I can give back with my time and my money. And, lately, I always hear people complaining that there isn't enough time or money to "LIVESTRONG," that there just aren't enough hours in the day with work, family, kids, church, sports, school, and so much more.
Well, CARPE DIEM, and I'm not just talking the talk, I'm walking the walk! It's my wedding day … I have events, appointments, people to see and things to do back-to-back. Yet, I can still get up early, throw on a pair of running shoes and give back for the greater good. We are never too strapped for time or money to support the wellness of humankind.
Getting involved in the Challenge was easy, because of where I work! A co-worker of mine, Rosanna Picillo, mentioned that our company National Instruments was trying to get a team of 50 people to sign up and participate in the 5K together. I knew the event was the morning of my wedding, but what a superb way to start the day off in the best mood, ever. Fall weather, coffee, family and friends, walking through the gorgeous streets of downtown Austin while chatting it up about the upcoming day's events.
Let's face it; I'm so excited to be getting married to Zachary Ryan Savage that I just know I won't be able to sleep the night before, so having something active planned the next day just makes sense to me (But please note that I'm totally planning on curling up in my bed and watching "Father of the Bride" with a large cup of joe after the 5K).
I've always loved exercise. For more than a year I've been doing RPM classes, body pump classes, and circuit training at Golds Gym in North Austin. My RPM instructor, Gayle Williams, has been the most motivating force this last year. She encourages us to love our bodies, give it everything we've got, and to get pumped up about working out. She participates in marathons, triathlons, and so much more. When I doubted participating in the 5K the morning of my wedding, it was her words of encouragement making me feel alive about getting involved and living strong.
I'd like to dedicate my participation in this race to those who led my way. To my grandfathers, my grandmother, my family, my friends, and my future husband: I love you all and thanks so much for getting up early with me to start the day off with "my best foot forward." My cup runneth over.
Hopefully, one person will be motivated to get up and give back by reading this story. Ultimately, times are tough and we are all strapped for time, but if a bride can get up early and get involved in the community the day of her wedding, anyone can! CARPE DIEM!
Visit Liz's LIVESTRONG member profile here.
If you live near Austin and want to participate in the challenge there is still time! Learn more about walking or running in the 5k at livestrongchallenge.com.
Are you unable to participate? No problem! You can still help by sponsoring a participant or by making a general donation. Learn more here.
