I’ve done this race since 2013, almost every year that it has been happening. And every single year I try to place in my age group, one year I was actually 4th place and they happened to be giving out medals for 4th that year. But never did I think that I would place while running with Phoebe in the stroller, let alone be first in my age group!
Phoebe’s 1st podium pic!
It was a chilly morning, when I checked the weather app on my phone it showed 47! Phoebe was super bundled up, only her face showing. It was as cold as Miami Marathon started out this year! What’s up with all the races being cold so far this year? I was prepared and wore a long sleeve over my Oiselle racing singlet and Oiselle fleece lined sleeves. I was wearing shorts and remarkably my legs weren’t too cold. We had to pick up our packets on the morning of the race because there was no time to head over to Footworks in South Miami during the week.
All bundled up & ready to start!
The race started on time, unlike 3 years ago when it had to be delayed due to a lot of fog. I really did not know what to expect from this race and didn’t try to give myself any time goals. The course is super super twisty and the Bob Ironman stroller is not super easy to navigate with twists and turns. By mile two, I was hoping for it to be over already, I pushed myself pretty hard to get ahead of a lot of people at the beginning and I was not going to let them all pass me at the end. When I crossed over I found Derrick, who had a goal of a 20 minute 5k which he achieved with some seconds. We got our medals and were handed bouquets of daisies (there was also carnations being given out). We hurried to the post race party where I indulged in some tiny acai bowls. I love acai so I really enjoyed that post race treat. We walked around a little, saying hi to friends and waiting for the results to be posted. Finally they were posted and Derrick came back with a picture of the results and me as first in my age group & he got 2nd in his age group! What? I really didn’t think even placing 3rd was a possibility with the stroller. It seems that all those races I was forced to runner slower due to pregnancy and the weight gain of pregnancy has made me more determined post pregnancy to earn back my speed. At a slightly slower pace than I did the Tropical 5k a few weeks before, I came in at 25:53. A stroller 5k PR for me. Still slower than my solo 5k PR but it is great to feel like I am finally getting somewhere with my paces.
After the awards ceremony, where I brought Phoebe on stage with me (she did cross the line before me 😉 after all) we took a stroll around the zoo to see some animals. She had fallen asleep just as they were counting down for the race to begin and stayed asleep for another 10 minutes after we finished the race. I don’t know how anyone could possibly sleep with all those turns but I guess she’s used to it from all the training runs. She rode on Derrick’s shoulders and checked out the camels, elephants and giraffes. Just as we were heading out she started to get a little cranky but that was due to her feeding being an hour delayed. I fed her and then we went to Ihop to refuel after that fun race.
Derrick won 2nd in his AG too!
Post race fuel.
This is my 4th year doing the race and for sure I will be back next year again!
Naptime finally!
Organic girl's Blog 