Sunday, June 10, 2012

Shorts Run June 2012

Out of all the the races (since 11/11), this one was my favorite. It also seemed my most challenging even thought it was shorter than some of my other races This was my B plan race-the Abita Hill Race was postponed-refund check in mail. I really wanted the challenge of hills but
was worried about the humidity so was relieved actually to hear it would be held later in the year! I hear Abita Hill course is beautiful and look forward to running it. Meanwhile, I signed my family up for the Shorts Race with my running buddy Mandy, a 1/2 mile race followed by a 4 mile race, supporting our local firemen.

Bradley, about to turn 7, was so excited as we had been talking race talk for a while. We even did a practice run the night before and I gave him three tips for his first race:
*Jog it steady-don't sprint this one!
*if you get tired and want to walk some, DO IT!
* if you leave your dad (who was running his FIRST race too)-just follow the other runners!!!!! ---worried
Mama here.

Bradley ran the 1/2 mile in 4.30 coming in maybe 3 seconds behind #2 runner boy. He was not "Chick'd" so is happy about that (slang for when a girl
Passes you up-we just learned this one) I was so proud of him!!! He said it was not hard and wants to do it again-my runner boy!

Rae was incidentally in the stroller being pushed by my runner hubby telling him to "Go faster Daddy!"
-she said next year she wanted to run one!

The 4 mile course was a square that started in front of Varsity Sports, went down Marigny, the Trace, lakefront, and up a couple of side streets to return to Varsity Sports, where the firemen awaited with the big spray hose. I started off with a fast mile under 10 minutes, better than usual. However, the sun came out mile 2 and 3 full force while I was running the lakefront and I felt the humidity----and felt dehydrated. Those miles were slower for me-about 11 1/2 to 12 minute miles. What kept me going was seeing my husband at the end of mile 1 and mile 3.75. He was snapping pics and the kids were cheering me on. Mile 4 came and went quickly and I ran directly under the spray and it felt great! I didn't want to keep going, even though the finish line was a minute away.

My time-about 46.58.
Weather-started off overcast and then sun came out and humidity soared
Favorite moments-when I saw the rainbow in the picture my husband snapped and when my boy found out he came in 3rd place in his age division.
Regret-never wear black! What was I thinking?

Bottom line-it was a family fun race and it was nice to have them there! Can't wait for the next one.