St. Patrick's Day 5K

On St. Patrick's Day, I went to town for a 5K run. The race was held to benefit the Senior Living Center.

Lot's o' green there. We got to town nice and early to register. What a beautiful day! The sun was out and everyone was dressed in green and cute costumes.

I went to the race with Nikki, a friend I met through Jenny. Nikki also works at the famous Jerry's. It's fun to meet people up here that I have things in common with--to do things I actually know about! Nikki and I both enjoy running, but the difference is that she is very good at it. She has done at least one marathon and has one planned for the fall. I have only done half-marathons this far in my life. The full marathon is undecided for me at this point. I ran a half-marathon in Leavenworth right before getting pregnant with Andie. The first 10 miles were a breeze...then mile 11 was angry like you stole it's parking spot. Miles 12 and 13 were just pain and suffering that I hadn't expected. Thus, I can't imagine doubling that........yet. I have to see what the summers bring as far as work hours. If I can find time to train perhaps I'll consider it.

The tallest leprechaun in Warroad.

There were about 5 of these ladies. Very fun and festive. I won't confirm or deny that at least one of them had a cocktail before the race even started.

My big finish. Nikki finished far enough ahead of me that she got the camera and took my picture. I came in 11th of 32 for my age group and one minute under my goal time, so I'm happy with that. I'm a mid-pack type of runner. And no, I'm not going to list my time. Not until I find one that is satisfactory!

Nikki getting her medal! She finished first in our age group and second female overall.
Later she won an ID bracelet for runners as a door prize. It's kind of funny considering she trains up here in the woods. If someone found her laying on the side of the road, they would know who she was. Or, as she pointed out, she could get attacked by a wolf and he could eat her arm off and take the bracelet with it. The door prizes would be much different for a race held at the Angle, that's for sure. ** Congratulations! You've won a tiny little fishing pole and a beaver pelt!**

A fun St. Patty's costume.

My grand winnings in the door prize drawing. Perfect for lattes. How did they know?

Celebrating at the bar after. It's St. Patrick's day and we are in Minnesota. Of course the race would be held right outside a bar! It would be wrong if it wasn't. Come to think of it, I didn't stop at the water table during the race. They may have been handing out beer there.

Nikki with her medal and her "Race Bling" sign for being second female overall. We had a tasty lunch and a couple drinks before heading to the grocery store and then home.

I spend a lot of time learning new things about my surroundings and feeling like an idiot, adjusting to this new climate, worrying about this big journey we've taken on, and missing home. But this---this was just for me and my own self-satisfaction. It raised my spirits. This was a good day.