One of my favorite events is the Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer. I’ve been a part of this event the last four years. Each year it keeps getting better and better. The best part of the event is the people. Literally 1000’s of smiling faces come out for this event. The main objective of this event is to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and prevention; for the Susan G Komen Foundation. But the event offers much more than this. It brings together friends, family, and the community for a day of fitness, fun, and friendship. There is a special “feel” in the air when 1000’s of people come together for a good cause– a feeling of peace and energy that can’t be forgotten.
The event kicks off with a pancake breakfast along with registration which includes a “goodie bag” with gifts and information from the sponsors and also includes an informative card for self-exams for breast cancer—this info is very helpful; as it has saved many lives. Then, for the more competitive and fit type, there is a 3K snowshoe run. The course is typically hilly (sometime downright steep!) and includes sections of winding single-track through the woods. For the less competitive, there is a 3K or 5K snowshoe walk. This is the main event and literally thousands come out for this event. This course is on a groomed track, wide enough for everyone to comfortably fit. Walkers can go at their own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery and being out in the cool fresh air. As participants roll through the finish line with smiles on their faces, the music has begun. Soup, hot coca and post walk/run snacks are available. Then starts the raffle of which all participants are eligible for some great prizes including a pair of snowshoes. The awards are given out to the top 3k runners and participant who earned pledges for the event are recognized. Breast cancer survivors are also recognized. This is a very touching moment and really makes you realize how important events like these are in saving lives.
There are five Romps’ across the Nation this year. The first two are on the east coast, at Stratton, VT and Mtn. Creek NJ. The event then comes to Salt Lake, Utah in conjunction with the Outdoor Retailer Show on Feb. 3rd. Mt Hood, Oregon is the fourth stop, and the finale is on March 10th in Frisco, Colorado. I have been involved with the Frisco event and can assure you that venue is excellent. My guess is that the other venues are really nice also.
I would like to encourage all of you to get involved with this event. 100% of the proceeds go towards prevention and cures for cancer, specifically the Susan G Komen Foundation. All of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another. The search for prevention and cures to cancer is so important in this day and age. Being a part of this event, even though small in the grand scheme of things, is an easy and fun way to support the foundation. But it means more than that; you can make a statement that we need our government to support the research for the search for cures and also show’s the scientists how much we care and need their continued expertise and research. Some day our children and grandchildren could live in a cancer-free world. The activity of snowshoeing represents fitness, respect of the outdoors, a positive attitude, and a healthy lifestyle. These together are a part of making a better future.
The website for more information is www.tubbsromptostomp.com. I will be at the March 10th event in Frisco. I hope to see you all there! I was in a bad accident on Dec. 13th, where I fell of a cliff and spent three days and two cold nights in the Moab desert before I was luckily rescued. I am in a wheelchair now, but my goal is to be walking well enough by March 10th and to make it 3k in support of a cure for cancer and in memory of my grandmother and several friends who have died or been affected by cancer.
For more information on the Komen Foundation, visit www.Komen.org. Also visit www.athleteforacure.org. That is an organization looking for cures for all cancer, but specifically prostate cancer. I am one of the athlete-spokespersons for this organization.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog and also for supporting the cause. I’ll see you out there soon!
