Killer Kudzu 5K

Yesterday was a VERY big day for me. It was my first time running a race with Isaac! The whole fam traveled to nearby Holly Springs, Mississippi (home of lots of kudzu, historic homes, an extremely old cemetery, and a killer hill, among other things).

After a discussion with a friend from my "mommy and me" group, I was encouraged to put Isaac in the jogging stroller (that dear Petra gave us!) for the big race. But not before MUCH testing at home. I am sure that he is technically supposed to be older or bigger to really go in it, so I was antsy. Thus the testing. I had Chasen run with him in it as I watched from in front and behind. A lot. And then some more. He didn't move an inch, so I determined that it would be OK. He just needed a little "booster seat" of sorts to hold him up a bit higher for perfect strapping. So Chasen fashioned one out of towels. Job well done!

So we arrived in Holly Springs and found a great parking spot. The race began and ended right on the town square. We got registered and picked up our cool shirts with ease. We had about a half hour to wait. Isaac was already perched on his throne:

Isaac kicks up his heels for the photo! His sign got lots of "oohs and aahs."

That stroller is THE BEST! I simply can't thank Petra enough for sending it. I thought just that as the race began. I started at the very rear of the pack with another stroller. Chasen was far ahead of us. By the first turn I was crying a little bit. Happy tears! I was just so happy about the situation, realizing that I was literally living my dream: running with my baby. Wow. I could end this post right now, because that's really the most important part. But then you wouldn't get to hear about the hill from hell!

So the course ran by many antebellum homes. So pretty! It also went out by the railroad tracks (i.e. the middle of nowhere). As Chasen put it, "There was not one smooth patch of road on the entire course." Once we got back into "town," there was the one and only water stop. Which was out of cups. Ick! But I just had less than one mile to go. That's when we entered the cemetery and the hill from hell. See below:

Yes, it was tough. Two ladies running near me literally asked if I needed help pushing Isaac up it! I declined, but it was quite a sight. I told Chasen I thought it was 45 degrees. He said 60!

Since Chasen finished about 10 minutes before us, he was able to perch with the camera and see us make a mad dash for the finish. You can see the cemetery in the distance.

We're almost there! Isaac never even made one sound. Chasen told me he wouldn't, but I was worried! Apparently worrying is mommy duty #1.

We were cheered in by everyone (well, Isaac was, anyway). So nice!

I finished in 43:06, I think. I ran without my Garmin, as this was all about soaking in the experience. I had hoped for 40:00, but that wasn't considering the hills and terrain.

Here we are after the excellent post-race grub. Isaac says "Where's my bottle?"

Awards. There wasn't one for "Cutest Baby," so we didn't hang around for the presentation.

Drooly Isaac and Scruffy Daddy

"When can we do this again, Mommy?"

On the arm: Carpe Kudzu. Bottom line: Life is too short for someday. (I agree.)

We all enjoyed ourselves. It was both the most challenging and most joyful 5K ever for us.