Chilly Cheeks Virtual Recap

We are only on day 3 in February, and it is already awesome.

Have you seen Snap Circuits?  Well it is a pretty cool electronic/science toy that my son loves.   Yesterday, he woke up before me, grabbed that toy, and rigged it so it played Happy Birthday for me.  That is how he woke me up.  I thought is was pretty awesome!

At basketball practice, I sat and talked with Elaine who hadn't run since Christmas Eve.  I was telling her that I had to get in a 5k, as I am signed up for the Chilly Cheeks Virtual hosted by my friend Andy. Our boys had a birthday party that afternoon and before I knew it, we had decided to bundle up our girls and do the 5k together.

After a little prep, like putting snow pants on the girls, making sure they had enough blankets and each had a pillow pet, we were off.  We walked as a little warm up about a half mile.

I was excited to have company.  The last time I was able to run with friends was Newport.

It was cold but we warmed up quickly.  I was a little worried about the girls being too cold but so far, so good.  In the first mile, we had to pick up a dropped blanket twice.  It was also the first time Elaine and I had to push a stroller in a really long time.  Our kids are much bigger now, and I know that slowed us down.

Right after we hit mile one, our friend Mary was running towards us.  She was just finishing up but decided to run with us for a little bit.  It was so cool having her join us!  Three friends, two daughters and two pillow pets.  It was perfect.

Elaine, picked the route and I was excited about it because it was a new one for me.  She warned me that there will be a big hill towards the end but I was good with that, kind of.

Right before we hit two miles, we were at the top of a hill with the most beautiful view in front of us.  We had to stop and take a pic and then it was down hill , flat for a bit, and then we turned to look up at the hill she warned me about.   It was quite a hill and I had to push a stroller up.

I was slow and I was breathing hard, but up I went and so did Elaine and Mary.  We made it, of course.

It is always so nice to run with friends.  Our conversation was good and the time flew by.  The girls had fun laughing with each other.  My little one kept losing her blanket and I may have run over her pillow pet once or twice.  Little Elaine thought it was funny to put her feet on the front tire of the stroller which made it harder to push.  Mama did not think it was so funny.  She also ran over a pillow pet once or twice.  We laughed, we ran, we had fun.  Isn't that what its all about?

We hit 3.1 exactly where Mary was parked, we said our good byes and headed home.  We were just over a mile from home.  It was at this point that my daughter started complaining about the cold.  In fact, she was really upset by the time we pulled into our driveway.  She ran in the house and told me she wasn't going outside again, ever.  We did go to church today, so I think she is all better.  Both girls were such troopers and I thank both of them for being so good and letting us mommies get a little run in.

My finish time for the Chilly Cheeks was 38:54.  I did a little research and this is my slowest 5k time ever.  What do you expect when you are pushing 40 pounds in a jogging stroller and having to pick up dropped blankets and toys, not to mention a killer hill.  It's all good, fun was the bottom line here and we certainly had that.

Now, on to my birthday!  I met 9 of my closest friends for dinner and drinks.  We had a lovely time, talking, laughing, eating and drinking.  I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.  I got some cool gifts, but one in particular was very special. It is a an Alex and Ani bracelet, my first.  The saying couldn't be more perfect, It's not a sprint.  It's a marathon.  Thank you Katie and MB!

Mr. RWM is on his way home now and we will continue my birthday when he gets here.  I really missed him yesterday, but all will be back to normal soon.

My mom had a nice day also.  We both said it would of been better if we were together, but we will be soon. I love you mom and Happy Birthday!                    

Run Strong, Think Big! ~ Nicole