Hi friends!
The weekend after Thanksgiving I ran the Veteran Jam 5K!
My sister-in-law Megan was in town for Thanksgiving and she has recently picked up running and racing as a hobby. We wanted to do a Turkey Trot together, but it was just TOO hard do a race and cook ALL THE FOOD, so we signed up for the Veterans Jam 5K the following Saturday.
Megan's husband Justin and my nephew Owen came along to cheer us on... AND play at the park 🙂
The small race was well organized and supported Veteran Jam, a group who helps soldiers with PTSD. They even recruited veterans to cheer on the runners. What an important cause to support! Soldiers protect our freedom, so we at the very least need to help them when they return.
Megan had a goal to get a sub 31 5K PR before the end of the year. She needed to shave a couple minutes off of her time to get her goal, so I offered to pace her for the race. I'd never paced before, so I was a little nervous, but I figured we'd have fun regardless of the outcome.
The race started off and looped around Fletcher Park. It's a great, flat course.
The three miles flew by! Megan rocked the faster speed and we came across the finish line in 30:30, which set a HUGE PR for her!
I can't tell you how much fun it was to watch and help her get that goal.
We stuck around and watched the end of the race, which was very family oriented.
Owen made sure he refueled...
... and recharged with our donut holes. Playing is hard work!
I'm so glad we stuck around, because we soon heard Megan's name being called. Turns out she won 2nd in her age group! Such a big running day for her.
Owen was so proud of his Mama!
What a fun way to spend time with family! I enjoy small community races like this SO very much. It's such a delightful way to spend a morning... you get good exercise, running motivation and help a great cause.
And congrats to Megan on her new and shiny PR! I feel like I might have caught the racing bug too....
Want more racing recaps? Check out my Race Recap Page!
Great to see you today! Come back tomorrow for my yummy Skinny Crock Pot Creamed Spinach recipe.
I’m linking this post with Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
Have you ever paced for a race?
Do you like small or large races?
Jess @hellotofit says
The last race I did was a 5-mile turkey trot last year. It was fun! Glad you had a good time 🙂
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Awesome job on the race! Looks like you had an amazing time!!
Mandi Korn says
What a great post, Congrats to Megan and you, what a wonderful experience for you both:o)
Mary Beth Jackson says
Super cool that you got to pace her to her PR! I need to come run with you! I love the small community events ?
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
So fun! I was trying to find a Turkey Trot but there weren't any near me! That's how middle of no where I am. But I just signed up for a bunch of races in hopes of staying active in the winter and getting back into running post-baby. Once I start signing up for races, it's hard to stop. Very addicting!
Cailee says
Congrats! Congrats to Megan as well! ...and oh my goodness! Your nephew is precious! What a cutie!! <3
[email protected] says
Congrats to your sister in law on her new PR!!! And congrats to you for being such an awesome pace setter! The race looks like it was so fun and Owen is the cutest!
Megan says
Yay!! Thank you for all of your help!! I know without a doubt I would have never hit my goal had you not been coaching me the whole way. You're the best!! Also, I love love love these pictures!! I'll have to steal them from you 😉
Andrea says
Good for her! Small races can be a lot of fun. I usually do the Turkey Trot since I'm not the most amazing cook 🙂
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
That's so great! The race looks like a lot of fun. I love smaller races like this! Great job to both of you 🙂
Jaime says
Such a fun race - and congrats to her on her PR!! I have races I'm thinking about for summer - I haven't pulled the sign-up trigger yet. 😉
Dan Steadman says
congrats to both of you! PR and placing, what two things could go better together?
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Congrats to you both! And what a great race for the community!
Blane Sherer says
Congrats to Megan !!
Congrats to you too for helping her.
Great cause as well.