Labor Day-The Race

My MIL is an inspiration to us all. She has lost 80+ pounds and counting. She eats like a champ and exercises every day. I am so proud of her and jealous of her will power. She got us all to commit to doing a 5K for Labor Day. Now for Josh who runs every day this wasn't a big deal, but to me who hasn't run in YEARS it was a huge deal. I finally started running every day about 2 weeks ago and I actually enjoyed it! Palmer was determined that he would run the whole thing.

Even Josh's grandma was in the 5K with her wheelchair (motor powered).

Josh's aunt gave everyone a Team Swenson (Ann's maiden name) bandanas which we all wore. Grandma put it on her wheelchair.

It was FREEZING that morning and pretty tough to get going. Definitely different than running at home on the treadmill.

This boy had a late night with all of the excitement of the hotel and wasn't happy to be up so early.

They were all pretty good about the whole thing though.

Here is our family pic. I had my bandana around my ponytail.

The boys got in the running stroller and weren't about to get out. I hadn't planned on the boys riding in the stroller the whole time and it was definitely a challenge for me to push the thing the whole time (a lot of it was up hill!)-I definitely didn't train like that! My arms were the most sore thing on my body the next day

Palmer ended up running the whole thing! My BIL Neil ran it with him. I was so impressed with him. This is his second 5K!

Josh ran it in 25 minutes, I ran it in 37 minutes and Palmer ran it in 42 minutes (yes my 7 year old was only 5 minutes behind me. I never said I was fast!)

These poor boys were so frozen. Luckily my SIL, Becky had blankets in her car they could borrow. Their teeth were chattering!

This was the woman of the hour. I am so proud of her. She walked the ENTIRE 3 miles! Honestly it was such a unifying experience for Josh's family we will not forget it.