Race Recap - #OrlandoUnited5k

This race is all about mixed emotions. The #OrlandoUnited5k was a benefit for 49 people who lost their lives too soon and many others that were injured and impacted from the violence that occurred in Orlando on June 12. I am honored to be able to help, even in a small way, but wish no one had to experience those events.

The good thing about the race was that E has been asking to run a "runnin race" for a few weeks. She has done some of the kids races at past events and really enjoyed the one we did in Feb. I looked at some of the upcoming races, and in all honesty, I am over 5ks right now. I would much rather sleep a little later and get up and run 3 or 4 miles around the neighborhood. I told her it would probably be the fall, but then this event came together.

As soon as I saw registration was open I registered myself and my husband. I also registered E for the virtual option. I knew she would spend most of the race in the stroller, but that way she would get a shirt and medal like Mommy and Daddy.

5 a.m. came very early Saturday morning. Especially since I had been sleeping (I use that term loosely) with a restless E since about 3:30 a.m. I quickly dressed and got ready and woke E up about 5:30 a.m. A few snacks, some water and we were on our way a little before 6 a.m.

The drive to the race and parking were both super easy. We got to the race start with about 20 minutes to spare. E immediately spotted the Dunkin Donuts tent and we grabbed her a couple of donut holes. (I think we have been to DD once in her life, so I am not sure why she noticed it so quickly.) This, along with the banana she had in the car, was the beginning of her fueling for the race.

Lots of people wait to run

There were a lot of emotions as people were gathering at the start. It was amazing to see all the rainbows and support. Since we had the stroller, we hung out toward the back of the pack. I didn't want to catch anyone's ankles. Promptly at 7 a.m., after a few announcements and the national anthem, we were off.

Before we passed the start line, E spotted the post race bananas and had to have one. E went back and forth between being pushed in the stroller and running with me or my husband. The course was great for this. It was pretty, not super packed and had a lot of shade. It was inspiring to see how many people were cheering us on from their driveway.

Enjoying her banana

Running with Daddy

A little over 2 miles in E asked to go home. I think she was getting bored and tired. I told her we had to finish, but that was were we were headed. After a bit in the stroller, she decided to run again close to the finish. Crossing the finish line with her and my husband was amazing.

Working it at the end

I honestly don't really know what my time was. I think it was somewhere in the 50s. Most times I would be really annoyed with a time like that, but this race was different. We stopped a bit to get E in and out of the stroller or give her snacks. (I think I have done halfs with less nutrition.) A not quite 3 year-old also has little legs, but I was honored to run with her. 

I have to give a huge thanks to Final Mile Race Management. They did an amazing job putting this race together in a very short amount of time. It also raised over $100k for the One Orlando Fund. 

I am still over 5ks, but this one was worth getting up early. I hope that this is just the start of a love of being active (and maybe running) for E. What they say about kids is true, they want to do what you do, so you have to set a good example.