5K on St. Patricks Day

 

    A few weekends ago ,was the St. Patrick's Day 5k.  I have ran this race several times before.  It is special to me because it was the first 5k I ever ran.  It is also start of the series that I do.  It's one of my favorite 5ks in the Springs.  I like it because there is a parade afterwards, so there is actually spectators which is very rare for a race down here.  It is also fun because everyone seems to have alittle more fun because it's St. Patrick's Day. 

     The weather was a little colder than in years past.  We have really lucked out the last few years and had beautiful weather.  This year it was pretty cold.  I hate when it is cold because I can never decide what I want to race in.  I always agonize over getting too hot or too cold.  Joey and the kids came down to support me like they do for almost every race.  It was quite the family affair this year.  My brother and sister ran it, so I also had my niece and nephew cheering me on.  My Uncle Mike also ran it, and it was nice getting to see him and my aunt.  

    I haven't ran a 5k since November, so I really didn't have any major goals for this one.  This is the first race of the season, so it generally is the slowest for me.  My only goal was to beat my time from last year which I did.  I ended up running it in 23:14 which was much slower than I wanted, but still a decent time.  I placed 35th out of 1394 women.  I also placed 7th in my age group out of 243.  Not too bad at all. 

     After the race, they had the kids run.  Ashlyn participated again this year.  She was doing awesome and running really fast.  I think she ate too close to the race, because she started to complain of a cramp.  She was able to finish and I was so proud of her for getting out there and doing it.  I can't think of a better habit to instil in my children than one of being active. 

Ashlyn ready to head downtown. 

My sister and I before the race.

We were off! 

This was the start so I was feeling great at this point. 

Here comes Katy

Here comes my speedy brother.

He had an awesome race. 

This was the halfway point

Here I come

Katy running

Here is a pic of my brother crossing the finish line.  He was definitely giving it his all.  My last race was a half marathon, and while they are very long they aren't as fast.  5ks are very fast and extremely painful!

Here I come towards the finish line giving it my all.

Joey said I past like 4 men right at the end.

Here comes Katy

Ashlyn taking off on her run..

Here we go.

This was her at the end.  Her side was really bothering her.  Next time I will better monitor what Daddy feeds her before a race :)

Auntie and Dawson

My biggest fans

After the kids run

Ashlyn with her ribbon and Chick Fil A gift certificate.