A journey of 460 miles begins with the first steps.

Today J, C, and I will take the first steps on our journey at the FCA 5k and 1 mile. The kids run first at 8:00, followed by the 5k at 8:30. J and C will be running the 1 mile and I'll be running the 5k. A healthy, if chilly, start to out total of 460 miles.

J and C ready to run.

And they are off..  It was about 50 degrees as they headed out of the chute.

B-Dad, cheered them on with K1 and K2.

J coming in for a strong finish!  She finished her mile in just over 9 minutes.  1 mile.

Poor C took a spill mid-race, but still finished strong.  Still coming in just over 11 minutes.  2 miles.

Post-race bounce. Because, of course they will...

While they bounce, I head out on my run.

The first two miles, I averaged a 10 minute mile, but the 3rd mile was basically uphill and I lost a lot of time there.  As I turned the corner toward the finish line, I gave it all I had.  You always have to finish strong.  I passed both of the women in the picture below and finished in under 33 minutes.  5.1 miles. 

C earned 2nd place in his age group

J also earned 2nd place in her age group.

I earned 3rd place.  Not in my age group, because that will never happen.  This was in the special group for women of a larger persuasion.  I was minutes behind the 1st and 2nd place and about 20 seconds ahead of the 4th place.

It was a beautiful morning to run.  It was a great start to our journey. 5.1 miles down.