This year was my provisional year (first year) in the Junior League of Birmingham. Our provisional project was to plan and host a 5K race in West End, which we held on March 5 at and around Legion Field. The day of the race and free community fair (think health screenings, bouncy houses, free healthy snacks, and other fitness, nutrition, and community health vendors) was actually the culmination of months worth of planning and also several weeks of nutrition and fitness training we conducted in five elementary schools in West End.
This project was huge, but a great opportunity for me to take a leadership role serving as co-chair of the In Community/Civic Awareness Promotions Subcommittee. I loved working with the many amazing women on our committee and with the other co-chairs and race leadership. We learned a lot from this first year, which I think will be valuable to next year's provisional class when they repeat the project in 2012 - hopefully taking it to new and greater heights. We formed some great community partnerships that will only strengthen in the years to come, and I'm especially proud of the League leadership for embracing and committing to a true, interracial community partnership in an area of town that many over-the-mountain Birminghamians consider dangerous.
Here's one of the promotional pieces we developed.
I only took a few pics (with the iphone) at the event, but despite the rainy day we had a great turnout and lots of fun. It was especially fun to tweet live about all the activities taking place.
Some of my favorites....
Jones Valley Urban Farms Smoothie Bike - Too Cool!
UAB Minority Health Research Center Mural Painting Station
Face Painting!
The kids' one-mile fun run around the inner concourse of Legion Field. Winners got gift certificates for new pairs of tennis shoes.
There was a little confusion about our race name - 5K for Kids - that made it sound like the race was only for kids, when in fact it was for everyone but benefited the kids since proceeds were used to purchase and supply PE equipment to the elementary schools. Something we need to better address next year in promotions to the community.
Robert ran in the race along with his former co-worker, Matt, a big local runner who always races in costume and didn't disappoint on March 5 as the banana man.
Robert ran one of his better 5K times!
My friend Laura and her friend also ran. Thanks guys! Trey and I sat this one out, primarily because I had to work the event all morning with the other provisionals, but the whole family plans to participate next year once we have the trusty jogging stroller!
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