The Weekend In Review: My First 5K Run For The Wieners!

I don't know how it happened.. But Cheryl talked me into running a 5K.  And before I get started.. No!  I did not win.   No!  I did not place anywhere in my age group.  Yes!  I did finish!  And No!  I was not fast.   9 minute miles as it turns out.   Hardly a comparison to my prime back in the Army days.  ( but that was 26 years and 20 lbs ago!) Ok, Maybe I lost a few of those lbs, but I'm still not in the shape I was.   But before we get stuck in the past,  Let us shorten the history lesson to focus on just this weekend.  Shall we begin?  

After work on Friday, I met Cheryl in Milwaukee.   She got there late, so we had to pick up our packet Saturday Morning.  But since we both had to work that day, we decided to get dressed up and go out for some food.   I wanted to show her this Vietnamese place that served up Pho.   I had already scouted out this place when we went to that Concert early on in June. 

The Pho was awesome and even Cheryl wanted to try some.   We shared the bowl and Cheryl got some spring rolls, just in case she did not like the Pho.  But in the end, it was all good.  We enjoyed some dinner and then shot in for some dessert at the Honey Donut place nearby. Because Cheryl loves her Donuts.

The next morning, we headed off to the Brewer's Stadium for the Packet Pickup.  For the first time ever, I got to wear a bib and be part of the crowd... The crowd that was running, that is....  It was a unique experience standing in the chute instead of down the race route to capture some pictures.   I obviously could not take pictures as I was running.  I know some people do;  but I had more pressing matters on my mind that interfered with the"finding the perfect shot" mind frame. 

Cheryl inspected the goodies.  Finisher's medals were optional, but she wanted something to remember the Wiener run with, so Cheryl sprung for the extra loot.  It was a generic medal, but it will go on the wall after she wins it. 

Thankfully, there are no pictures of me running.   And there is no finishers medal to remind me of this event.  But overall, it was fun.  I finished, and not with a terrible time.  So... I consider that a win!  

Cheryl on the other hand,  ran twice as far and managed to win an award for third female finisher overall.  Again with the Third place!  Hey!  At least she got a podium spot.  I could say I was aiming for the "middle of the pack"  as my overall strategy.  And that would actually be fairly accurate.  I am not in it for the glory or fame.   I have more realistic expectations.  And I  think I managed to achieve everything I aimed for. 

We tried to get a picture of the Wiener Mascots, but they ran the race in those suits and I  think they had to go and cool down someplace before re emerging.   And no one wants to chase down wieners in the heat.  We settled for the Chik-fil-let Cow.  

By the way,  there was a LOT of food there.  I certainly feel as if I consumed all the calories I had spent during the race... and managed to gain even more!   I still have coupons for ice cream and sandwiches at Chick-fil-et establishments. How will I be able to maintain this awesome shape and conditioning if they force feed me free food???  ( "force" because I have no resistance to free food...) 

Cheryl with four Wieners!

Her Trophy Wiener

In the end,  Cheryl managed to get a picture with the four Wieners and the Brewers Mascot.  She also got to pose with one along with her Trophy.   She was fortunate!  Because they were ONLY the top three finisher trophies for this race.  No age group awards were  awarded.  We stuck around till the end and the vendors practically threw the remaining bananas and meat sticks at us. I imagine because they did not want to pack everything up and take it back home.  I took as much as I dared.  

Her Little Wiener

After cleaning up at the hotel,  We then went out to Lake Michigan.   This was a unique experience for both of us.   Believe it or not, I have not truly visited the lake since I have been here.  ( even though it is only three miles away!)  I saw it from the Illinois side a few weeks back, but never touched the water.  Both of us agreed we needed to touch the water and wade in it like we used to do back in Michigan. 

The problem was that the beach is located next to a cliff!   I was game to billy goat my way down there, but Cheryl did not want to even attempt it.  It looks less steep than it actually was.  

We asked around and found a set of stairs that led down to the beach a small distance away.  We took that route instead. 

Another thing to note is that the rocks and sand are different on the Wisconsin side.  This was probably not the best place to take off our shoes.   But we touched the water and go to wade in it for a little while.  It was almost like walking along the beach in Hoffmaster or Rosy mound back in Grand Haven.   Only we were on the other side of the lake this time.  

Overall, I think this was a good weekend.  IF there was anything bad about it,  it was that it was over too quickly. Oh!  I forgot to mention we ate at IKEA again.  Meatballs and french fries as usual.  I may change it up  if we do this again any time soon.  We shall see. 

I hope everyone had a grand weekend this weekend.  I certainly hope the weather held out to make it a wonderful day.  And any time you get to spend with a loved one or family member(s) is truly time spent in the best way possible.   Thank you for stopping in.  And have a great week!