Race Takeaway: It’s so cool running a race with Chase in the stroller!

Saturday morning we were up at 4:45am to get ourselves ready and then to get Chase going. She’s typically up at 5:30am on her own so she was ready to go. Today would be a full day. We had our races in the morning, 10K for Chase and I, and half marathon for Rob. Then we would be grabbing lunch and getting on the road to get to the Quad Cities expo. I will be running the Quad Cities Half Marathon Sunday morning. As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m not at all race ready, but I’m still going to get all of the races completed.

This race is in Normal, IL and is VERY easy logistically for parking and bathrooms because it’s hosted by Eastview Christian Church. So if you are in the area and newer to running or want your family to be a part of your race, this is one is good for that. You have the amenities of the entire church and it’s very easy to get to start/finish right outside the door.

Chase loved running around and waving to all of the runners waiting to get started. 🙂 It was so cute to watch her say “hi” and clap at everyone.

The half marathon started promptly at 7:00am and we wished Daddy well. Then Chase and I went back to the church and relaxed until our 10K start at 7:30am. We started in the back and just looked for opportunities to move up when space allowed. My goal was to run easy and feel better than I did last year at this race. Last year I had a rough race day, which you can read about here.

Today was different because I would be pushing the stroller (instead of Rob) and I knew I would need to run easy to keep my energy for managing it and I also have a half marathon to do. Unfortunately the locking front wheel on our Mountain Buggy was a bit out of alignment so the stroller would veer to the left constantly. Lesson learned – test out the stroller running before the race 😉 We made due, it was just annoying to never be able to let go with one arm so I could pump my arm. Instead I was more like a T-Rex with my hands planted on the arm rest, constantly adjusting to fight the shift of the front wheel.

Chase passed out asleep almost as soon as we started. She loves napping in the stroller on runs, which makes it nice, knowing that she is cuddled up and happy. Running with a stroller is a lot of fun because the other runners and spectators are so nice. I got a lot of compliments on being out there running with a stroller and also multiple women commented on Chase’s cute shoes (Nike free). 🙂 It’s just really energizing to have so many people making nice comments along the way.

Another great part about this being a local race is that we get to see so many of our friends and fellow runners. 🙂 It was so nice to see them out there racing or supporting their friends and family.

Before I knew it we were half way and turning around. I felt good, but the uphill grading to come back to the finish was getting me like it always does. 🙂 We finished in 58:26, feeling good!

Since the start times for both races were offset we weren’t going to have to wait long to see Daddy. I got Chase a quick diaper change and a snack and we got to see him finish in 1:54:40. Great job, especially since he hasn’t been running! We are so proud of him!

We Care Twin Cities Mini-Challenge Finisher’s Medal

We grabbed some food and hung out with our friends Brandi, Jon, and Kyleigh real quick. We had to get home to get changed and get on the road to the Quad Cities expo.

Stats:

58:26

9:25 Pace

F 35-39: 9/20

F: 51/123

Overall: 96/189

Past Performances:

2013 We Care Twin Cities – 10K – 1:01:30

2012 We Care Twin Cities – HM – 1:41:49 (I was pregnant and didn’t know it yet)