what we've run: Beat Beethoven 5k

Jonny (19:08), Melody with Julia and Gabe (23:32), Dad, Amber, Cami, Drew, Julie, Mitton Family, Mike Baird

We did it! We all beat Beethoven. This is our third year running this race and it's still definitely one of our favorites. We love the music, the nice course, and the small crowd. Last year Rudi watched the kids so Jonny and I both ran solo. So I didn't quite remember how half the course is slightly uphill - something you definitely realize with a double stroller. But I had a goal to run this one a little faster than I thought I could. And I did! It wasn't easy, and I am even a little sore. Throughout the race there were two girls I thought I could catch up to. With that as my goal, I really picked up my pace at the last half mile, passed both girls, and kicked it into the finish line. It was quite exhilarating to run so fast with the kids. They may have even been a little surprised at our accelerated pace at the end! I placed third in Women 20-29 and fifth in women overall (out of 85 women). See the full results here.

I'm sorry I don't have Jonny's entire race story to record, but suffice it to say he came speeding in at third place in Men 20-29 and third in men overall (out of 66 men). Funny, he ran the race in the exact time he did last year. Now if he can just take a few seconds off he'll be under 19 minutes. Maybe next year, huh?

Lots of family and friends ran this one as well. It was so fun to see the Mittons at this race again. (Last year we were surprised to see them. And we had to much to talk about with Em's triplets being born that morning and all.) Todd, Mckay, and Abby ran while Allison, Alex, and their dog Molly cheered us all on. They were on the side of the road just as I started to really push myself. What great motivation! I love those Mittons.