We also ran a 5K on Monday called Smoke on the Water. Most everyone was boycotting fireworks this year because of our drought but we managed to talk over 15 of our group into doing this 5K on July 4th. My youngest sister and her office staff were running or walking so the family joined up to go also. It didn't start as early as the Alien so it got a little hot. It was not without drama either. My two sons decided to run with me and my daughter was going to take pictures. We got there plenty early to get our packets, meet up with my aunt who was going to watch K, and check out the course. Things didn't work that way though. Train forgot his shoes so we scrambled around to find a replacement. Sunshine got sick so we had to rush him to a bathroom, only one port a pot at the start. I had a little bit of trouble with my knee so I had decided to wear my knee brace. About one mile in, my calf really started cramping from the brace. Luckily, I saw my brother in law who was driving to watch my sister, so I started to take my brace off to throw to the side. After all those kinks got worked out, the race was on.

This area doesn't put on many (i.e. any) races so I was nervous. Things of concern: 10 blocks of old brick roads, two main intersections that were not patrolled, one water station that was too far from the course with just one man handling it, one port a pot, a narrow sidewalk, and only 100 race shirts. Things that were great: 20 miles from my house, all of my family that was there, flat course, and my mom served French toast after!

Sunshine won his age group, 12 and under. My neice won her age group, 12 and under. My cousin got 2nd in his. I placed in the top 10 in my age group and so did Train. My aunt was there to get great pictures of us all!