I didn't know I could do that

God smiles on me and last night Little Bug-man slept.through.the.NIGHT.  I am not kidding!  I woke up at 6:15 and felt so rested.  That happy feeling would continue throughout my morning.

I got up showered, went through the normal pre-race drill of bathroom, dressing, loading stuff, bathroom, getting the kids ready, bathroom and heading out the door.

The plan was for biking sherpa to meet us at the State Park where the trail race was being held since the Earth Day activities were also being held there. 

I was surprised when hubbs called and said he was going to make it home.  We talked about whether he would join us or go home to sleep (he worked the night and then drove 3+ hours home).  I was hoping he would sleep simply because he needed to and that is what he said he would do.  A quick call to biking sherpa confirmed she was on her way.

The kids enjoyed a movie in the car while I jogged laps of the parking area, visited the bathroom and got my bib number.  Surprise!  Hubbs pulls in beside us.  Soon followed by the biking sherpa.  I had my own cheering section.

This was the first year for the event so things were very low key but that is exactly how I like them.  Less to stress about.  I wanted to get as close to the front as possible.  I knew I was planning to start out fast.  I am much better over the distance than I am in the sprint.  Knowing that I am better at outlasting other runners than I am at out pacing them, at the sound of the horn I was running as fast as I could.  Empty the tanks fast.

S'ghetti and biking sherpa made wishes of success for me.

At the mile marker I was 5:50.  I didn't even know I could do that!

Don't worry it won't be a pace I would do often.  I came very close to losing my toast with honey as I ran up the crest of the dam shortly past the mile marker.  That is where I had to dial it back.  I knew I was in the lead and I just had to hold it.

(Full Discloser:  This is not the actual finish photo.  Totally staged because the actual shot was missed)

I was able to hold a strong pace through the next two miles and finish third overall and FIRST in women. 

It was super nice to have the family there to cheer for me. 

(see the balloons, very low key!  But so was the entry price!)

I finished 23:38(me) 23:40 (race) so close to sub-ing the 23 minute mark. 

I wonder if I had not ran the 13 yesterday if I would have had those 40 seconds to give? 

I am thrilled with how the race went and that's what matters. 

The family got to be there and that's the biggest win for the day.

Tricia at Endurance Isn't Only Physical is hosting a Silver Maple Jewelry Giveaway but I really want to win it and get something shiny since I got a cheapy medal for winning my 5k!  But you can enter too if you really have to...but tell her I sent you! 

3 Changes Challenge

April 24th - Saturday, so far

1. h2o/non-caffeinated - 55oz- Success

2. Destress - Sticking to my daily prayers.  Ran a race for a good cause and WON!  Who could have stress?   - Success

3. Xtrain - Stretching, sit ups, push ups.  Hopefully hubbs with lift with me later tonight (success if he does) - Needs improvement (if I don't)