What an enjoyable weekend. The weather was incredible, I was able to relax, hang out with family, friends, and run a 10k with Dana!
I can’t believe I neglected to take one photo of the actual race site at Minnehaha Park because it is a very beautiful area, but I didn’t. We raced up the streets parallel to the river, crossed the river, came back down the other side, and then crossed the river again. I am always happy when the route is an actual large loop versus multiple laps.
If you are local and are interested in a really nice 10K loop, check out the race course here: Minnehaha Get in Gear 10k Race Course
On Friday we headed over to Minnehaha to pick up our race bibs and scope out the giveaway goodies. We were about to head out and then our eyes caught sight of this:
That is 25 lbs of pure salted nut roll heaven right there. They were cutting up sample bars and I just had to sample one myself and OMG. This was the best Salted Nut Roll I have ever eaten, and I’ve eaten my fair share. It was so soft and there was so much NOUGAT :smile:. I savored every last bite of that magical bar.
Moving on to race day.
Dana and I gave ourselves plenty of time to get over to the race site but unfortunately the shuttle buses to get runners from the parking area to the race site were not super efficient and by the time we got to the race site, checked our bags (this took a while too) and got into the bathroom lines, we had about 15 minutes until start time.
The bathroom lines were reeeeaaaallly long. I started to get my little anxiety spurts that I get just prior to races and was nervous that we wouldn’t be at the start line when the race began. I knew it didn’t really matter if I was or wasn’t there when it actually began because we had time chips in our race bibs, but I just like to be where I’m supposed to be at any given time.
They made the five-minute until go time announcement and we were still in line, with about eight people still in front of us. Then the two-minute announcement was made and we were still four people back. The National Anthem was sung and there was 26 seconds of silence to honor Boston and everyone involved in the tragedy. The race began and we were still in line.
We finally got our turn for the glamorous porto-potty’s and then made a mad dash to the starting line while “washing” our hands with antibacterial goop. By the time we got to the start, there were still TONS of people who hadn’t yet crossed the start line. So basically all of that anxiety and rushing to get to the start line really wasn’t necessary.
That was how our race began.
The course was really great and spectators were lined all along the streets almost the entire way. At about one mile in I was struck with side aches on both sides. I used the breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth technique to try to get rid of those bad boys but I wasn’t having much luck. It wasn’t until about mile 5 that they started to go away. Needless to say this wasn’t my best or most enjoyable run, however I am always proud to say that I finished it and I didn’t stop to walk even once.
I finished in 1:01:26 which was about one minute slower than my January 1st 10K race. I was a little disappointed because I had wanted to break the one hour mark, but I didn’t get too hung up on it. I just ran 6.2 miles and I was going to be proud of it!
It was SO nice to run in warm weather and not have to be bundled up from head to toe. The sun felt heavenly.
By the time we got home I was exhausted and hungry. I made myself some food and then joined Moose out on the deck to get some rays and relax.
Goodness he’s a big boy.
I gave my camera a rest for the remainder of the weekend but will tell you I had such an incredible weekend. The highlight was spending time with family and friends and enjoying the sunny warm weather.
What was the highlight of your weekend?
We had a very fun girls afternoon complete with fro yo, shopping and dinner! It was perfect.
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted…Weekend Update: 4/28/13
We ended our evening last night with DQ! I told my hubby about you and your husband’s “rule” to only eat sweets on the weekend and I’m thinking we may start to follow that too. We both have GINORMOUS sweet tooths and I like the idea of relaxing a bit on the weekend and REALLY enjoying every bite of a sweet treat.
You did awesome on your race! I can’t run for longer than 30 minutes or else I end up walking so you should be proud! And there’s nothing better than relaxing outside in the sunshine with such beautiful weather. I went shopping for a Mother’s Day gift and then stopped at a wine bar for bit so that was my highlight. 🙂
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Glow From Within Watermelon Juice
That sounds wonderful!
Loving the yellow background, dear!! It reminds me of spring and summer 🙂 I think I need that nut roll in my life. Holy goodness!! They are my favorite part about post-race bags.
Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted…Spinach & Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups
Thanks! I can’t find a color that I’m content with but I’m going to keep the orange/yellow at least temporarily because it reminds me of spring and summer too!
no fair. i didn’t see that nut roll there. the start for me was 2 miles of arm and arm. it was pretty packed out there. sorry about the side ache, no fun. but congrats on a strong finish!
kendra @ kennygump recently posted…the hills were alive with a PR!
Bummer! We got there fairly early (around 1:15) so maybe they ran out of it by the time you got there? Congrats on your run! You killed it!