Twin-City Valentine Race Finish!

Parallel parking in the mud

Later than usual departure.

 What an awesome day to run a race in Minnesota of all places.   Who would have thought the temps would be this unseasonably warm?   It was almost 40 degrees at the race start and just missed 50 degrees as the day progressed!  But I should not get too far ahead of myself...

Walking across frozen muddy field.

Scoping out the music.

We were able to sleep in a bit this time since the race started at 10:00.   Rare for a race, but maybe they wanted the sun to be able to warm the earth a bit on a typical February day.  We were able to eat breakfast at the hotel Before the race (something we rarely get to do.) and headed out.

And the start!

It's a Plane!

We parallel parked and crossed a frozen field towards the start line.  They offered small warming fires and hot cocoa for the runners, although with the temps the way they were,  not many people were taking advantage of the amenities.

And another!

And another!

The race was at a park near the airport.  We were able to see plane after plane shoot up into the sky.   Kind of a col way to pass the time, watching the plans take off.

There were lots of dogs and lots of people dressed up for the event.

Pajama man...And many more!

Downdressing

Lining up for the National anthem.

For being just a 5K, it was still a fun time.  I heard that there were 2000 participants signed up.  This is one of the organizations that throw the marathon, so they seem to know what they are doing. There was music and a police escort....for just a simple 5K!

 Cheryl lined up and waited for the national anthem, and then they were off!

Being such a short race,  I know I would not have many pictures of Cheryl actually running.  And with nearly 2000 people...TALL people,  I knew that that challenge would be even greater.

Cheryl near the start.

She dashes by!

Still,  I was able to get a few at the start and finish.

She dashes by!...again!

Cheryl near the finish!

Her time was not bad, but not a new PR.   It was a negative spit, ( she ran faster towards the end than the beginning) so she was happy with that.   She was 11th in her age group out of nearly 170 other females.  Her average time was 7:50 minute miles.

Collecting the Loot!  With "'Tude"!  

Her biggest complaint was that the entire event was over too quickly.   I know the feeling well.  Sometimes you want things to last a little longer.   But in the end,  she got a cool shirt and another finishers medal to add to the trophy wall.

Victory!

With all that...time for Donuts!   I hear athletes can eat anything they want after a race...  I can do that Without running!  But there is all that guilt attached.  Maybe I should take up something that burns more calories.

And now to Celebrate!

Guilt free carb intake...

Cheryl is already talking long run in Davenport tomorrow.   The problem with 5K's is that they do not burn off all that energy she acquires from those donuts.  This means she has plenty to put forth for an 18 mile  long run.   Fingers crossed that the weather holds out.  I guess today and yesterday were the two "nice" days.  Nice or not, we are doing it for Boston....but Nice would definitely be nicer to run in.   We shall see how it goes.