The truth? I was really disappointed that I didn’t get to compete in Monday’s race. I liked the distance (3.5 miles up from the usual 5K), the sentiment (an anniversary), the location (nice and flat) and the medal.
My consolation prize was entering and running Will Run For Bling’s Hangover Run Virtual 10K (and the medal for that should be coming in the next two weeks!), so this time was about Mr PugRunner and little man.
We arrived at the staging area at about 7:00 AM for a 7:30 gun time, and found close parking relatively quickly. We had picked up the packets for Mr PugRunner and little man the day before, so all Mr PugRunner had to do was claim his chip, secure his bib and hit the restrooms. The start line and surrounding area was pretty crowded, but we did manage to bump into our friends: Kristin from A Mom on the Run and her family. She was going to be running in the main race like Mr PugRunner, and then we would take the kids out for the one mile fun run.
As everyone got organized, little man caught sight of Speedy Banana. He LOVES that running banana, and she was kind enough to oblige him for pictures.
After the National Anthem, the runners were called to line up
and Mr. AMOTR and I herded the kids across the parking lot to the finish line, which was fortunately positioned in the shade. I didn’t get a temperature reading, but it was pretty hot and humid.
The boys had a pretty good time cheering on the finishers as they came down the final stretch, but of course, little man was waiting for his daddy, and his friend B was looking for his mommy. Before long, Kristin came running down the line, followed about ten minutes later by Mr PugRunner.
We were all so proud of both of them. The heat was definitely a factor. The majority of the run was on the pavement in the blazing sun, and there was not a cloud in the sky. That will slow anyone down.
There were water stops along the course, and in the finisher’s chute, finishers could grab water bottles from ice-filled tubs and bananas. I also saw some finishers walking around with jars of Biscoff, but not sure where that was.
Obligatory family photo. The orange was not planned.
While Mr PugRunner and Mr AMOTR took the bags and headed to drop some things off at the car, Kristin and I took the kids over to the fun run starting line. The course was an out and back with a little residential block thrown in. Most of it was shaded, and there were police officers at the major corners.
We all took turns running, walking and pushing the jogging stroller. The boys had a blast high-fiving some of the cops and volunteers along the route and just generally being silly and adorable. B’s sister M just enjoyed the ride. It’s good getting to kick back in the stroller.
After a drink break and some more stopping and going, we hit the final two turns before the finish line. The boys both took off!
I had to sprint a little to catch up with him, and for the first time, we crossed the finish line together. <3
It was a fantastic feeling.
The boys were more than happy to show off their bling before settling down to some Gatorade and a snack.
While the announcers attempted to host their giveaways and post-race festivities, we made our way into the 1st Place Sports store – they were offering 35% off everything except electronics to runners, in honor of the 35th anniversary of the race. It was slammed, but we managed to maneuver through the crowds to select some items. We stocked up on Honeystinger chews and waffles, as well as some other kinds of fuel to try. And Kristin found me a pair of CEP compression calf sleeves.
I’m a fan.
And, then, finally, it was time to grab breakfast. Mr PugRunner was ravenous, and it had been HOURS ago that I had grabbed my banana. To celebrate, we went to Maple Street Biscuit Company for some delicious breakfast sandwiches and sausage gravy. As an added treat, we happened to grab a seat at the same table as the owner’s grandmother’s and aunt, and had the most lovely chat while waiting for our food.
We made it home before noon, and everyone showered and crashed for naps.
It was a wonderful way to spend the Labor Day holiday.
Do you stick around after races for the raffles, giveaways and post-race celebrations?
If you ran a race on Labor Day weekend, how was it?
Haha your son looks so darn happy n every single one of your pictures, how cute!
I can’t imagine how difficult running with a jogging stroller must be. I have always marveled at people who are able to do so!
Congrats to your hubby and son!
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com recently posted…Happy Labor Day Weekend!
I pushed it for a little bit, and after I got over the initial feeling that I was going to spill M over backwards, it wasn’t bad. Of course, there weren’t any hills, so that probably helped a lot.
Little man had a blast. I’m so glad.
runswithpugs recently posted…race report: run jax 35th anniversary 3.5 miler & fun run
I LOVE that picture of you and your little man!! So cute. =)
Diana recently posted…Week 8 Recap & A Look Ahead
It’s my favorite. We haven’t run together yet, so this was super special.
I cannot get over how stinking cute your little man is. That face! I just wanna pinch his cheeks. I don’t usually stick around for raffles and giveaways, but I haven’t run too many races yet! Disney is mass chaos, so I tried to get out of there ASAP after the Princess Half. So happy you and the Little Man crossed the line together š
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…Goals Check-in: August Recap
The cheeks always a hit. He’s so silly.
Yeah, I felt really bad for the announcers. They were giving some good stuff away, and they were finally just calling out numbers, since no one was claiming anything. I should have stuck around, but we were starving and the lines in the store were out the door, so we just went straight there.
Awww I love that this was a family affair! Your little man looks so cute and so happy! I love the one of you and him crossing the finish line…and he has his tongue sticking out! So cute!!! Congrats to both your hubby and son on their race!
Mindy @ Road Runner Girl recently posted…Half Marathon Training Week 2…7 Miles!
I love that we can do this as a family. We all have different goals but it’s so fun to be out there, being active together. I’m grateful that we can do this.
Little man is a ham. Always with some kind of face and the thumbs up.
LOVING those pink compression sleeves- LOVE LOVE LOVE
They are pretty comfortable. I’m glad I got them. Even more glad I got them on sale š
I LOVE my pink compression calf sleeves – I hope you love yours too! They are an essential part of my raining regime
Wornout Soles recently posted…Big George 70.3 Race Report
I wore them for the second time today, and I enjoyed them š
Aww how fun!!!! Jealous that you got to meet up with another blogger š Your husband and son look adorable, and it’s so inspring to see your entire family getting fit and staying active together!! Love it!!
A Mom On The Run and I are really good friends and we can to see each other and hang out as families quite often. We are very lucky to her and her family in our lives. š
I love all the orange. I also love how happy your son looks running. SO adorable!
I looked for a Labor Day race, but couldn’t find one.
Jina recently posted…A week of fabulousness
Thank you!
I’m surprised you didn’t have one around – it seems like the three day weekends are perfect for racing!
I love orange too, it’s such a happy colour and it’s not pink. Don’t get me wrong I do like pink, I just get over it sometimes.
As for sticking around after a race, well it depends on the size of the race, I find the really big ones, I don’t bother.
Small races, then I do, I like the atmosphere and I like to chill and relax, as there aren’t as many people. Make sense.
Matilda recently posted…Comfort Noddles
I like orange, too! We have yet to hang out for long. At some point, I want to try it.
Awww…you guys look so happy! What a fun morning! Racing + a fabulous breakfast = the best way to spend a morning IMO! Your son looks like he is having a blast! You’re raising a runner for sure! Congrats to Mr. Pug Runner as well!
It really was a great morning. I love getting up and out to run as a family. I hope that this turns into a lifelong love for little man. Fingers crossed!
First – I LOVE biscoff in jars. I eat it by the spoonful. It is the best thing EVER.
Second – I LOVE my CEP calf sleeves. I have them in pink and white and they help out so much with recovery!
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…The Superhero Workout
I have (shockingly) never had biscoff. It’s probably for the best.
I’m very happy with the CEP sleeves, so far!
CUTE pictures!! Love the ones of the kiddos running especially.
jan recently posted…Apple Explosion
They are such great kids.
runswithpugs recently posted…race report: run jax 35th anniversary 3.5 miler & fun run