Emz Liverpalooza 5k

I'm a week late posting this race...sorry!  Guess I was really not wanting to since I raced so bad!!  There were a few reasons why I wanted to participate in this race.  First and foremost, it was to raise money to help the family of a little girl named Emily that is about 8 months old.  She is in need of a liver to live and her medical expenses are so high.  A lot of things were donated for a Silent Auction in downtown Ellisville.  They were able to raise a lot of money for the family and I am so happy for them.  Maybe this will relieve them financially enough to focus on the child and things that are important. 

I do believe this is the worst 5k I've run since I began running.  It is the first race I've run since my shoulder injury and had to incorporate walking off and on throughout.  Guess I shouldn't be so hard on myself.  It was also hot and the humidity which made it so hard to breathe.  My friend, D, and I ran together for a little while.  Here is our picture before the race.  Hey there, Cutie!!

And, here's a picture taken of Kent and Audrey that was printed in the Impact Paper.  The caption tells it all. 

After a tough race for me, we entered and finished the last leg of it inside the JCJC Bobcat football stadium.  Cool ending to a race.  I tried to run a little harder but my run was so bad I'm just glad it was over.  Here I'm making the last turn and sprint before the Finish Line.  Check out those strong legs...lol

Kent was seen watching us run around the President's home.  Looking good up there.......

A pic with Frank...our faithful photographer.  Everyone loves him for all of his hard, dedicated work!

I was so happy when it was over.  I really needed to get something to drink.  The race was conducted well!!  The course was EXACTLY 3.1 miles...don't think I've ever had that to happen before.  Good job!  There were plenty of bananas, snack bars, water, electrolytes and my favorite, chocolate milk!!  OMGosh, did that chocolate milk hit the spot!!  A chair against one of the buildings was definitely a welcomed sight.  I was tired.  As it turned out, surprisingly...I won First Place in my age group.  And, no, I wasn't alone...there were others in my group, too. 

There was a nice certificate for First Place, a cool bandana with the benefit information on it and a $5 gift certificate from Runner's High, a running store in Hattiesburg.  Guess it's good to do your best no matter how bad you think it is.  You never know how it will turn out.  Mostly, I feel proud to have been a part of helping this little girl's expenses. 

Until next time...

Run 4 It