M's first race

Today M ran in his first race and though it was only a 1/2 mile fun run, you would have thought he was preparing for a marathon. Lots of questions...lots of wondering what he could do to actually win.this.race.

This is how excited E was to be there...

To be fair, E was beyond tired. Days of late nights and early mornings had caught up to this guy. Anyway, I ran the 10k this morning before the kids got going. It was pretty humid and I didn't feel great about the run from the start, but I finished in 57:15, so I won't complain. I met up with all my boys after I finished...and guzzled many a cup of water. Did I mention it was humid?

Mommy & M on "race day".

From the crowd of over 4,000 runners, we managed to meet up with some friends. The boys didn't have any trouble passing the time until their turn at the starting line.

Ahhh, friends...M, Rex & Enzo

 Then it was time for Daddy and M to line up. Good luck, guys!

E and I got up close to cheer them on...

...and waited...

Eventually, they were off! M took off really fast and asked to walk a couple of times. But when Andrew suggested they just slow down a little, he sped up! Looks like pacing is not a talent of the 6 year old super runner.

In the end he got a ribbon he is truly proud of and everyone had a great day. He told me he's "pretty sure" he came in second. sheesh...

soldier field 10 mile

It was early, cold and running as far as I had ever run for the second time. I can do this, right?

The scenery helped.

Turns out, I CAN do this. I was trucking along between mile 7 & 8 when the 1:30 pace team passed me. My goal was originally to even out at 10 minute miles, but with only a little over 2 miles to go, I realized if I kept up with them as long as I could, I would just plain crush that. They stayed in my sights for quite a while, but I couldn't keep up until the end. I did however, still surpass my original goal, and finished in 1:34:17.

Achieving a goal with friends makes it even sweeter.

race for hope 2013

It's that time of year again. The time we all gather to remember and celebrate the life of my dearest friend, Grace Ann. 11,000 people came together and raised more than 2 million dollars...pretty awesome, indeed.

Color Run 2012

This was so fun. So fun, in fact, that we'll be doing this next time they come to Chicago and taking the boys. They will lose their minds...running plus getting messy...sounds like a little boy's dream to me!

before

during...a cloud of color

after