My First 5K+

Last month not only was it MY birthday (best day of the year ... haha)., it was also my Glam Runner partner Tara's birthday! Tara's husband Ben wanted to do something special for her as a surprise since she this was a milestone birthday for her, so he emailed me about a 5K run he wanted to put on for her. Not that Tara was turning 35 or anything, but I suggested that instead of running 3.1 miles we'd run 3.5 miles, and we'd call it a 5K+.  And so the Tmae 5K+ was born! (Tara's full name is Taramae.)

Ben's Shirt Design for the Run

Ben did an amazing job planning the details of the race and invited a ton of Tara's friends and family, marked out a 3.5 mile course, and ordered race t-shirts. Not to be outdone I designed race bibs and ... showed up. :o)  I printed out the race bibs, bought a box of safety pins, and came to the secret meeting place to prepare for the race. 

My Race Bib Design

Shocking ... but I was running late that morning and then got lost in Mission Bay and ended up arriving after Tara. Oops! When I got there everyone was putting on their shirts so I started passing out race numbers. Ben gave a short speech about how wonderful Tara was (there were tears!!), and then we were off!

Tmae 5K+ Race Shirts

Everyone Preparing for the Run

Ben Giving a Speech - Tara Sniffling

We ran down the path and then out towards Fiesta Island. We stayed together as a group and chit-chatted, except when I broke away for my age-group win. Kidding! Almost everyone there ran or walked the race including Tara's parents!

Tara Looking Tense Before the Race

And We're Off!

Entering Fiesta Island

After the race I collected everyone's race numbers and put them in a scrapbook and had each person sign the page and write a birthday wish to Tara. Somehow I forgot to take pictures of the book and all of the cute things people wrote. Shoot.

Leading the Pack for my Age Group Win

Tara's Parents Walking the Course

 Approaching the Finish Line

 

Tara's Mom Working the Crowd

Ben had arranged for a taco stand to come and prepare a fresh, hot lunch for us. The food was amazing! Freshly grilled meat, hand made tortillas, hand made gorditas ... mmm mmm mmm.

Girls on the Run Ladies

Collecting the Race Bibs

Freshly Made Tacos

Birthday Cake!

The whole event was fun and such a unique way to celebrate a special day for someone who loves running. Ben did an amazing job! Happy Birthday Tara!

Tara & Ben (Aka T-Mae and Team-B)

Glam Runner Sisters