AORN Foundation 5K Fun Run/Walk
By Joy Chau, BS, RN, CNOR

The AORN Foundation 5K Fun Run/Walk was back this year by popular demand. Approximately 500 early birds, including myself, rose before dawn to gather in front of the Anaheim Hilton for the start of the event. First, participants warmed up to the lively music and dance aerobics before taking to the streets. I chose to skip the dance moves and instead took a warm up jog back and forth from the finishing line to the convention center. The weather was perfect; dry and cool. The time of the run at 6:15 a.m. was a little too early for me, especially after spending much of the previous day on my feet walking around the exhibit halls. I was tired, and my feet were hurting thanks to a blister or two that I had acquired while wearing the wrong kind of shoes the day before. The shoes matched my outfit, but my vanity gave me blisters. I did take this event rather seriously, however. I chose to pass up the Exhibitor’s Night at Knott’s Berry Farm in order to get to bed at a decent time. Somehow, my bedtime didn’t seem early enough for me when my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m.

The crowd of runners and walkers took their places at the starting line. The more serious runners gathered at the front, while the recreational walkers hung at the back of the group. Among the walkers was a large group of women all donned in hot pink feather boas, some of them had crowns atop their heads as well, and others wore sunglasses (possibly to hide their bloodshot eyes since the sun had not made its way out yet.) As the air horn blared, we all took off with a burst of energy. The runners completed two loops of the course, and the walkers finished one loop.

After making it to the finish line, we were all treated to some much needed refreshments. I managed to complete the run without much problem despite my blisters. It felt good to be in my running shoes after spending so much time in my painful dress shoes. Nevertheless, it wasn’t long before I was back in my uncomfortable shoes and rushing to make it to the second forum. Next year, I think I’ll buy some business outfits to match my running shoes.