5-by-the-5th Virtual 5K - Birthday Style!

I'm older- but only by a year. Time doesn't stop for anyone. But I had an absolute blast on my birthday, and I'm truly grateful for all the well wishes, happy thoughts, and fun gifties I received on Friday. Here's a bit of a play-by-play of how I rang in my three-four, including my March "5 by the 5th Virtual 5K!"

3-1-13 (a palindrome!!)

AM - I woke up way too early. 5:30 is no time to be alert, but I was. It wasn't even Baby's fault - she was fast asleep. The upside was that I had some time to hang with my husband before the wee one awoke.

Since I celebrate almost everything with running, I had plans to do a double (two runs in one day). A three miler and a four miler, symbolizing my new age. Running 34 miles is out of the question, and running half my age (as I did once) is also not possible. So I settled on two distances I knew I could complete, with the added bonus of scoring a double. And we all know doubles are bad ass (especially when done in flurries, sub-freezing temps, and with a baby jogger). That is me in a nutshell: ridiculously badass ;)

My first run of the day was around 8:30a - the little one and I ran to a kid museum, where she played her little head off. While there, we were selected to model for a website promoting the awesomeness of chicago - I just hope they crop any running-clothed mamas out of these pics. The little was far more aesthetic, even with her askew pigtails and serious wispy situation.

Around eleven, we packed up shop and ran a short distance to a local cafe for lunch (I'm not counting this bonus mileage..). We ran into a friend there, so we had some company for lunch. So fun when that happens!

PM - My parents came over while Baby was napping. They brought cake and presents..awww. They also spent the afternoon/evening with Baby, so I was free to go. THANK YOU!!

I started my second run of the day with a mal-functioning garmin. Roughly a mile and a half in, when the signal made its appearance, I decided I'd complete my Virtual 5 by the 5th 5K. An impulsive choice, but why not. I was feeling decent, and who doesn't love a "race" on her birthday? So I went for it -  Three point one miles at a slightly faster pace and a much more serious headwind.

I ran pretty consistent, if nothing else. The scenes were gray, drab, and frozen, and no other runners were on the course. I snapped this pic during the middle mile - this is probably the reason my middle mile included an additional three seconds..but there is SNOW covering the icy lake!.

Splits:
8:32
8:35
8:32
0:41

My total time was 26.20! Is that a sign I should be thinking about another marathon? Well, I am always thinking about it, just not signing up and training for one.

To continue my birthday celebrations, my husband and I had a lovely dinner out and then headed to the theater to see a very popular broadway musical. All in all, a great day!