First Run Together

The day that we volunteered for the Runnin' of the Green water stop we had un-seasonalbly warm weather (in the low 60's and sunny!).  The day/night before hubby had an allergic reaction to Girl Scout cookies that meant a late evening trip to the urgent care center followed by the ER, little sleep for me and a zonked Manfriend (thanks Benadryl).  Well, if I wanted to go running and enjoy the nice weather that meant I'd have to push the stroller for the first time.  

 I knew I wanted to wait until the weather was nice so that it would be an enjoyable experience for Critter and not awful.  It was close to nap time and I was scheduled to run 8 miles and said to myself let's just do 4, I'm tired and this is going to be a new thing for both of us.  She fell asleep about a mile in and woke up as we walked up the driveway to finish up the run--all smiles too!

I attached her Minnie Mouse crinkle toy with some of her plastic chains and she had fun shaking Minnie and chattering to her "friend."  Let me tell you, pushing a stroller is not easy--even if you have one of the top of the line strollers with bells and whistles.  I was about 1 min. 30 sec. slower per my easy pace miles with the stroller and took lots of mini walk/water breaks during those 4 miles.  I am sure it will get easier with time.  Now if only the weather would go back to being nice instead of our "welcome spring snowfall!"

Runnin' Of the Green Water Stop

We had a most wonderful day for our Water Stop volunteering at the 5 mile Runnin' Of the Green.  The water buffalo arrived at about 8:30 am and we started setting up tables and cups for the race that would start at 9:30.  This has become a family tradition and we've been at it for at least 5+ years now.  Even my little one got in on the action this year.  

 While we were busy filling cups my dad took Critter for a walk along the UofR campus and river.  With such nice weather expected there would be more runners than usual.  Temps would eventually hit low 60's for the day--nice compared to years where we've had ice forming in the cups within 20 minutes of filling them.

 Of course the top runners don't usually take water but this year a few did grab a cup and dump it over their heads.  While a few of us hand out water a few are also working to put out more cups and fill them with water.

 I usually help hand out the cups of water but this year I stood back on the side walk and cheered for runners and kept wiggling the stroller since it was almost nap time for Critter and she was starting to fuss a bit.  Plus I didn't want cups of water getting thrown on her as runners grabbed for them and I didn't want to have her away from me.

 My mom has a giant plastic toter filled with all sorts of St. Patrick's day decorations and accessories for wearing that we all put on to be festive for the race.  My mom and I also wore our Shamrock Sista sparkle skirts.  I love the pockets for my phone and keys, especially at an event like this where you don't want to have to hold a bag or purse (although I now get to tow around a stroller and such).  But, why should I have to dig through a stroller and diaper bag to find my keys if they can be in my leg pocket?

 It was a great turnout for the race and I am so glad that we do this every year and that my family enjoys it as well.  The family stuck around and went to the parade but of course I went home.  I am not a fan of parades unless they are Disney parades.