Friday, July 5, 2013

Firecracker 5K

For the 4th of July, my friends and I ran in Little Rock's Firecracker Fast 5K. This race has been held in our capital city for the past 37 years, and believe me--it is a fast 5K! The race starts in The Heights and ends down by War Memorial stadium. The course is almost all downhill, so it's a great race for improving speed. I was super excited because I set a new PR--I finished in 36:13:59, my fastest 5K yet! And, I almost ran the entire thing. I walked through the hydration station, and I walked the last turn of the race because it was uphill. I will definitely be running this race next year, and I WILL run the entire course! My goal is to be able to run a 5K in 35 minutes or less. I'm almost there! 

I was so glad that Katherine and Beth could join me for this race. I made our tutus the night before. (I've become a tutu guru : ) I can turn them out pretty quick now.) We decided we're also going to run the Watermelon 5K for the Hope, Arkansas Watermelon Festival, and we're going to make tutus for our "watermelon costumes." Woo hoo tutu party! 
Beth was the first in our group to cross the finish line and was interviewed by Channel 7 news. Her interview and our 3 tutus were featured on the 6:00 news...umm....AWESOME! 

Monday, July 1, 2013

Superhero 5K

This past weekend, I ran in Russellville's Superhero 5K.  As you may know, I love costumes, and there's no better way to get me to run than to tell me I get to dress up.  I decided to go as Wonder Woman (because honestly, it's summer and too hot for the all-black Cat Woman getup, and we girls have fewer options than the boys).  It was so much fun making my Wonder Woman costume:  I made a no-sew tutu out of blue tulle and bought the sticky-back foam stars from Hobby Lobby.  I made the wrist cuffs, headpiece, and emblem (which fell off my shirt--I was too lazy to sew it on!) out of glittery gold fun foam.  I added a plain red t-shirt and my white compression sleeves to resemble boots--I wish I'd had them in red.

I love that the race also had a backdrop.  That was fun.  You really get the full Superhero effect, no? : )
I.Am.Wonder.Woman!

Playing with filters : )
Supporting the Cause.  It's always fun to dress up, but I also wanted to participate in this 5K for the cause is supported.  All proceeds were donated to the family of Carter (who loves superheroes--his favorite is Batman!).  Carter is the 4-year-old son of a Russellville police officer and was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  Carter is currently undergoing treatment through UAMS and the AR Children's Hospital.  The family is still searching nationwide for alternative treatments.  Donated funds will help the family with medical bills and travel expenses, so I'm happy to join the cause.

Adam comes to most of my races, but his band had a show in downtown Little Rock late, late, late Friday night.  I was nice and decided to give him the morning off : )  I was thrilled when my brother & sis-in-law (who live in Russellville) decided they were coming to the race.  They met me at the finish line, and afterwards, we all went to Stoby's for breakfast.


Eli (on left), also ran in the race.  He must be a pretty fast runner since Andrew
talked to Eli for at least 5 minutes before I made it to the finish line : )
My sis-in-law Norma & me.
After breakfast, I went to Clarksville, where Norma's coworkers hosted a shower for Baby Noah.  Noah will be here this August, and I'm super excited to fill my role as the crazy aunt : )

Baby Shower with Norma
This was such a neat place--it's a coffee house/radio station in one (hence John Lennon in the background).  They also have a stage for live musicians to perform on the weekends.  If I didn't live so far away, I'd definitely be checking it out one weekend.

They had the cutest cupcakes at the shower!