We started the day with a 4am alarm to bake for the post-race brunch. My husband requested his favorite breakfast casserole. I also took the brown sugar bundt cake that I posted yesterday. I’ll post the recipes shortly:)
I had a Picky Bar and coffee before we left the house.
Time to race: The Franklin Classic! We met up with so many awesome friends. Our entire community runs this race.
I ran in my favorite Saucony Kinvara 5’s. The yellow makes me so happy:)
This was my first time running both the 10k (7:00 start) and the 5k (8:30 start).
***Preface: I don’t run short, fast races very well. My stubbornness lends itself to endurance!
I didn’t taper for these races and I’m in the middle of training for the Chicago Marathon.
The course is hot and hilly. Every year I question why I run it. It’s mostly because I want to run with my friends (peer pressure at it’s finest), but also because it supports Mercy Community Healthcare. I beat last years time by 27 seconds. Not a huge difference, but this year I had so much more breath control. I felt more relaxed. Progress.
10k splits: 7:49, 7:50, 8:04 (hills), 7:47, 7:36, 7:28
Finish time. 10th in AG. 48:14
I probably should have found a seat in the shade, but instead I stood around socializing in the sun. I felt a little stiff for the 5k, but I just reminded myself that it was temporary. Also, the hills weren’t as bad on the 5k course.
5k Splits: 7:31, 7:34, 7:37
Finish time. 5th in AG 23:45
This was only my 2nd 5k. My first was in July and I ran a 21:xx. My friend Corrie said that I was on the 50k to 5k plan!
Conclusion: Short-distance runner are badasses. Today’s races just made me want to puke. Can you tell it was hot?!!!
I drank Cocogo Lemon-Lime in my handheld for both races. I definitely needed it today!
We stayed to cheer on our friends for their awards and then the best part of the race…brunch afterwards hosted by our friends Alex and lauren!!!! Thank you SO much for hosting a bunch of stinky runners!!! Everything was incredible!
Just look at this spread!
My friends are seriously good cooks. I made sure to try it all!
The obligatory post-brunch pic…
We took our full bellies home for a much needed shower and rest.
After a full day, I didn’t really feel like cooking so we headed out for celebratory pizza at Mellow Mushroom. I love their build your own salad menu!
And of course their pizza!
Tell me about your Labor Day!
What’s your favorite race distance? Do you stick to that distance or run others?
#choosejoy




















