Oh my goodness this was a fun morning!!
I was very nervous about this run as I have been sick or under the weather for about three weeks. It’s been one thing after the other (darn you preschool!!) and my fitness level is crap right now. I know it was only a 5k, but 3 miles with a hacking cough and runny nose feels like a half marathon. Good breathing is kindof the key to good running.
It also really hit me last week that I was planning to run a 5K IN A BANANA COSTUME. I love to make people laugh, but I’m not really a person that seeks out attention. I’ve never wanted to be the star or the leader. I like the trench work. However, I was going to get some attention in a life size banana costume and it made me feel a little uneasy.
BUT, with your help, I raised $1876.00 (at last count – a few donations have been rolling in) for cancer research!!!!! I am so thrilled about that and the feeling of contributing to an amazing cause really did erase any nerves I had. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Austin and Bridget came down for the race. I was so happy they were able to be there. I also have to thank Damian and Claire for getting up early to come and root on their kooky relative.
My wonderful Conor and favorite girl Savannah were also there. Conor had been preparing Savannah for the race and when I heard her yell “Go Mama Go!” right before I crossed the finish line, I almost burst into tears. I couldn’t wait to hug her afterwards.
So on to the race itself. I woke up early and got myself downtown. I was carrying the banana suit as I was unsure about when exactly to put it on. (As those of you that follow me on Twitter will know). I grabbed some coffee and thought ‘now or never’ and suited up.
If you have been to my kooky little town, you know that Austin prides itself on being a little different. Wearing a banana suit actually doesn’t get you THAT much attention. I did get a few looks as you can see in the below photo. Check out the faces on the people behind me. The great thing is that it’s not a ‘freak’ look, but more of a ‘huh, a banana – OK then!’ look from people. Seriously, best town ever.
So I ran and was a little tired coming up the hill at 12th, but overall, it was a PERFECT day for a run – about 55 degress when I started. Plus, a race atmosphere always makes running easier – you have lots of things to look at and other people to pace you. I also felt like I stuck out so much that if I stopped running, people would notice. I didn’t want to be the quitter banana.
I overheard a lot of funny things while running. Here is a sampling:
“I’m standing next to the giant banana….No, really… Yeah, she’s really cute.” Woman on her cellphone trying to find her friend.
“I passed the banana!” Lots of people
“Oh, I got passed by the banana” Less people
“Go banana!” Lots and Lots of people.
“Mom! (or Dad!) A banana!!!” Every kid that saw me.
“Did you lose a bet?” Very fit dude that sprinted past me.
So again, thank you so much for your support of Gaga B and myself. We had a great weekend!
