Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement in support of a worthy cause. Not only will you get a good workout, you'll also leave with some inspirational stories.

Early last Saturday morning, my friend Lauren and I joined 8,500 runners in the Greater Nashville Race for the Cure. We had decided to participate in the 5k run for several reasons. First, we knew that the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is an organization worth supporting. Not only does the foundation educate and raise awareness, but it has also raised over $630 million for cancer research. And, we were also running for our own self-interests. Lauren and I are training for Nashville’s Country Music Marathon, so we thought this would be a good test of our fitness. But most importantly, Lauren and I were running on Saturday to support a friend whose mother has just passed away after a long battle with cancer.

As we walked towards Bicentennial Mall State Park, we were greeted with the sounds of Melissa Etheridge's song, "I Run for Life." We turned onto the mall and saw a sea of pink. The sheer number of participants was overwhelming. In addition to the 8,500 runners, over 1,500 others had come out to support the cause. Looking across the vast expanse of people, Lauren and I were energized. Suddenly, we were part of a community that wanted one thing: to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Before the race began, we all lined up to watch as a parade of cancer survivors made their way to the starting line. Mothers walked hand-in-hand with daughters. Women who had lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments marched by. One woman made her way down the lawn pulling her oxygen tank behind her the whole way.

We had a hard time even getting to the starting line. There were so many runners that we had to wait our turn before beginning the race. As we moved, elbow-to-elbow with women, men, and children, we cheered together, encouraging one another to finish the race. Shouts of "I am the cure!" arose from within the crowd. As we crossed the finish line, Lauren and I were greeted with applause from a line of survivors who were cheering us on.

More than $530,000 was raised that day for the foundation, 80 percent of which will be used for breast cancer education, screening and treatment in the Nashville area. Even though our part was small, Lauren and I left the race knowing that we had made a difference. With tears in our eyes, we walked back to the car, inspired by the hope and determination we had witnessed that day, and ready for the next opportunity to run in support of a cause worth fighting for.

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Ingredients:

• Running (or walking) shoes
• Stamina
• Willingness to support a good cause

Caring Time:

• 35 Minutes

Cost:

• $22

Results:

• Lots of money raised
• Calories burned
• Good workout
• Inspirational moments