Old Soldier’s Day Race and Parade

Last Saturday, my sister, Emily and I ran in the Old Soldier’s Day 5K.  We decided about 2-3 months ago that we needed something to help motivate us into a regular workout routine.  So I started running about 3 times a week.  At first it was pretty hard, and while it is still challenging, it has gotten easier each week  (Imagine that!).

This is a picture of us, bright and early, before the race.  It started at 7am, so we had to get there around 6:30am.  I guess when you are running  a race in the middle of the summer in the south, you have to start that early to try to avoid the heat and humidity.  It was pretty humid, but the temperature was in the 70s, which made for a fairly comfortable run. 

This is a picture of us, in our race t-shirts.  We finished!  I am so glad that we did this.  We have already decided to do another one in October.

       After the race, Emily and I staked out a spot for the small town parade that follows the race.  I have been going to this parade since I was a little girl.  I have actually been in the parade a couple of times (Brownies and High School Band).  I love that I can carry this tradition on with my family.  We have been going as a family since Mikayla was about 18 months old.   The kids had a great time. 

It was pretty hot during the parade.  Both of my kids were red-faced very shortly after getting there.  It didn’t bother Mikayla too much, because she was so interested in getting candy from the various floats.  Gavin, on the other hand, got very tired at one point.  I thought for sure he was going to fall asleep right there in my arms.  He didn’t fall asleep, but I did enjoy some good cuddles from my little guy. 

I think the best thing that we got from the floats where some Freezer Pops from the Beauty Queens.  Man, did they have the right idea.  Gavin had never had a popsicle, but he thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

The only downside of the day was that Jeremy was not there.  He had to work and we definitely missed having him there.  All in all, though, it was a great day with my sweet kids and the rest of my family.