Race Against Violence 5K

I feel like it's been forever since I've run in perfect weather. I think it was Austin, which was only 2 weeks ago, but it feels like forever.

The kiddo and I started our day at the Race Against Violence 5K. We met Kay & Pam and just hung out until the start. I love Sam Houston Park. It's such a serence little place and of course it's even more beautiful with the beautiful blue sky and skyscapers as a backdrop. The kiddo was really quiet at first. I think she was taking it all in - all the people and the band that was warming up. Plus it was pretty chilly. After refusing to put her hat and gloves on in the parking garage, she finally looked at me and said, "Mommy, I want hat. I want gloves."

The course took us from the park to Waugh and back via Allen Parkway. I wasn't sure how the kiddo would do in the jog stroller, but she did great. That is, after I made a quick stop to give her a banana and then again to wipe off her hands and put her gloves back on. :-) Heck, today was not a day for PRing...just a day to hang out with the kiddo, get some exercise and enjoy the awesome weather. We finished in approx. 36 minutes...I don't know my exact time because I left my watch in the car. But, after fighting with the damn jog stroller the entire way I felt as if I had run twice the distance. Note to self: must get new jog stroller! Here are some pics after the race...

Here we are with Kay after the 5K

Before the kiddo's 1K...and after having a donut :-)

After everyone finished the 5K, it was time for the Kid's 1K. I went ahead and registered the kiddo. I thought she would have fun, but I had no idea if she could run the entire distance. She was busy picking up leaves with a fellow toddler when they started her race, so we were pretty far behind the pack. At first, she wanted to hold my hand. It was cute, but it was messing up her balance. She had a bit of a fall right before we made it to the turnaround, so I carried her for a little while. Then, she got excited seeing all the kids making their way back and wanted to run on her own again. It was too cute! She slowed down for a second, so I asked her if she was tired and wanted to walk. She told me "No, I keep running" and smiled. And run she did...all the way to the finish. Thanks to Kay, Pam and their co-workers who stuck around to cheer for her and give her high 5's at the finish. She was really excited to get her very 1st medal after crossing the finish line.

Next, we headed to the post-race party. The event was great. They had lots of activities for the kids - face painting, a moonwalk, balloon animals, etc. Plus a bad playing all the favorite 80s tunes with a few newer songs mixed in. As the names of the winners were being called, we played in the bubble area where the kiddo was having a blast. I did recognize a few names of folks who placed - Strider Brett Riley and Lisa Foronda. However, I was only 1/2 listening, so I'm not sure what either person won...but congrats to you!

All in all, it was one of the most enjoyable mornings I've had in a long time. Now that the kiddo is napping, I am going to steal a few minutes of peace and quiet to study. Later, the hubby and I are having a real date night and going to the movies! Enjoy your weekend!