Get Lucky 7k

Here’s the group of us before the race.  I’ve been running with Gretchen and Jamie since last summer (through MOMS club.)  When I saw the awesome sweatshirt that this years participants would earn in this race I decided I was all-in. We started “training” in February (just following the schedule they posted on the website) and here we are today.  This was my (and Jamie’s) first race and Gretchen’s 3rd (she did the 5k I was supposed to do last fall but was too sick to actually run in.)

My friend Jessica of JM Photography (and also our photographer when scheduling permits) also joined us.  I’m proudly sporting my mark of the beast number.  I’m thinking it wasn’t too bad after all, since it did have the lucky 7 on the end.

Here we are walking toward the start line.  This was the world’s largest 7k (4.3ish miles) so even though the race began at 9am we didn’t cross the start line until 10-ish minutes later.

Here we are crossing the start line, we were all smiles at this point.

Here is my family cheering me on at the finish line.  I’m not actually in the photo because I had crossed the finish line a bit before this. Unfortunately, I didn’t know they were going to be there so I wasn’t looking for them (I was running as fast as I could trying to make it to the end.)  They also missed me cross the line as there was a big group of people all there at the same time.

Here we are with our sweet medals.  We DID it!!  We ran the whole thing and averaged an 11:06 pace.  I can give you all of the dirty details from my GPS if you’re curious.  I was really impressed with the graphics that Garmin gives you.  It was cool to see my pace (and heartrate) skyrocket at the end.  I had planned to all out run the last .25 mile but wasn’t paying attention to my GPS and didn’t start running until I saw the finish banner pop up.

Here are my official results: http://www.mtecresults.com/runner/show?race=668&rid=6667

I had said I planned to run it in 55 minutes when I registered.  My personal goal was to finish it in under 50 minutes and I did it!  At the end, once I had crossed the finish line I felt so good, I think I could have kept going.  I guess we’re going to have to register for the Mankato 10k next. :)

knock knock

open up the door, it’s real

We’re here in Minneapolis for me to run the Get Lucky 7k tomorrow.  I’m unbelievably excited to finally be running my first race (after getting so sick last fall and not being able to run the 5k I registered for.)

Yes, Kevin and Jack have matching swim trunks.  Daddy likes to get in on the matching action once in awhile too.

Sunny Days are here

Since we didn’t get the chance to go sled in the snow (at ALL!) this winter we have to use the darn thing now instead.  Definitely the weirdest winter ever, I’m hoping there won’t be a blizzard on Easter!

Big boy Jack

Well you can’t beat this weather with a stick.  I can’t believe we’re wearing short sleeves nevertheless shorts in March.  Here is Jackson trying out the big boy swing and letting Leni or Tommy have a turn in the bitty baby swing. 

Here’s hoping…

that these kids will be more athletically inclined than their parents.

Green Bean

I didn’t think this was a big deal until I saw the destruction she left in the spare bedroom.  Hopefully, we won’t have a repeat of this again. :-)  I just love her cheeky facial expressions in these pics.  I told her not to smile so instead she gives me the sassy pants scowl.  Nice!

My little brute

This isn’t the first time Lauren has hopped in this cart during open playtime and had Jack chauffeur her around.  He’s pretty strong and smart (he likes to drive her into the walls and tip her over.)

Piggy rides

Jack has figured out that if you crawl on to Daddy’s back he will cart you around like a donkey.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t discovered how to hold on properly and it’s a very wild ride.

Daddy/ daughter dance

Today was Lauren’s first ever Daddy/daughter dance.  We had an incredibly busy morning.  First, Kevin took the kids to home depot for their monthly project while I stayed home and got everything ready for the Matilda Jane trunk show.  Then, we had the trunk show (it was fantastic!)  After the show it was a quick lunch and then they were off to the dance while I recovered and cleaned things up.  Lauren had a pretty good time and I’m certain she’ll want to do it again.

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/ThumbAccess.aspx?e=8432696 pass: dance  I haven’t ordered any photos yet, but plan to.  We received one with the ticket but I want to get these as well. Don’t worry sport pix, you’ll get your money!

A couple more pics that I just discovered on my p&s camera.  I forgot I had asked Kevin to take it with and shoot a couple for me.

Girls Night Out

Today was a busy day. This morning, we had a get together with many of our friends that included lots of play time and a delicious lunch. Then tonight, we met for pedi’s and drinks. I wish we were better about scheduling this more often!