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.

Raffle Race. 5/13/12 Mother's Day Weekend. A HOT ONE!

When I signed up for this 5k, I never
Thought to check
To see if it was a shaded route! It wasn't! Hottest race to date and although I made a new PR, it was so very humid and challenging! It was all concrete and I have done
mostly trail except for the CCC. My first mile was awesome! It was a little over 9 minutes and I felt great! The 2nd mile started off a
Little slower as the full sun was in my face and I was feeling overheated. The 3rd mile I reunited with my friend Mandy and we both agreed there was no shade lol. I did finish in about 32 minutes, which is my fastest 5k to date. My goal is just to run one in 30 minutes. Louisiana humidity at it's best!

Victory for Vicki 4/28/12

This was a short run but a personal and somber run Vicki passed away 4/13 after a battle with cancer
Leaving behind four children from ages 2 to 11 and her devoted husband. When my friend Mandy told me about this race in her neighborhood, Vicki was still fighting and the race was to raise money to help her family with medical bills and cancer research Although I didn't personally know her, I felt her spirit and saw her family on race day I ran this race reflecting on how many people i know who have battled cancer. I look forward to running this race next year. All of
the proceeds went to cancer research. I can't imagine how that family must have felt losing their mother, wife, and more. I was proud to be a part of this. Having lost my uncle and dad to
Cancer and suffering my own scare after Rae was born, it hits close to home. If I could have just one wish, I would wish for a cure for cancer.

Crescent City Classic 4/7/12

On April 7th, 2012, I ran the CCC! My time was not as great as my last
10k, but I had such a great time! I finished in 1.13 opposed to my last one that was 1.07 but it was so crowded and congested I am okay with that. I loved the run through the French Quarter. I enjoyed the orange slices, sprinkler teases, and beads given to me by the locals. The cool morning ended up quite humid, but I enjoyed the rush and the run! Can't wait for the next one!

Danielle Charity Race-5k 3/17/12

This race benefited Danielle's Inn, a home for unwed mothers that teaches life skills and more to young mothers with little or no support or help. The race began at 9:30 am at Fontainebleau State Park. The sun was beating down on me and I felt myself get overheated half way through-The water break saved me and I finished in 34 minutes. It felt great being a part of a good cause. Over $5000.00 was raised for Danielle's Inn.

My first 10k-Ozone Run 3/10/12

On March 10th, I ran my first 10k race. It was the qualifier for the CCC, and my goal was to run the entire race-AND I DID! It was so hot and I pictured myself passed out about mile 5. I finished it however in about 1.07 and was okay with that! And being the crazy girl that I am, I registered for another one-Crescent City Classic, 4/7. I am dreading the heat, but am wanting to challenge myself. Running for me is my sanity right now. I do it for myself. It is such a love hate relationship, and I definitely am having to work hard to work it in.

Monk Run-2/11/12

On Feb 11th, I ran
A beautiful trail race at the Monk Abbey in Covington. We had just had some rain the day before, but it wasn't too bad. In fact, it was quite surprising how dry it was. I set a new PR -33.05 for my 3.1 miles and was so happy to see a friend of mine there-runningu it as well.