Cory’s 1st 13.1!

Half Marathon!

After a change in plans, which canceled his North Dakota hunting trip in early October, Cory decided to change up a scheduled 5K run in mid-October & take on the half marathon challenge instead! He had already been mixing in some longer runs in his training, so he was already well on his way to run 13.1 miles.

Race day turned out to be beautiful with cool temps but a bright sun. The half marathoner started first, so the boys & I got to stand by Cory & cheer him on for his race start. He ended up with a great time, very close to his goal – despite having to wait 5+ minutes for a train where the race course crossed some train tracks & a whole group of them running the wrong way on the last 2 miles or so of the course (a poorly marked section of the course so really, we think he ended up running more than the 13.1 miles)! The boys & I were so proud of him & were excited to be at the finish line to cheer him in!

Daddy & his boys, pre-race

At the starting line gates...ready to run!

Almost to the finish line!

First post-half marathon pic!

I stuck to the 5K run that day, pushing the boys together (for the first time in a race since last May) in the double stroller. Each race it gets a little harder, as they just keep growing & gaining weight! The hardest part for me on this course was the hills. I was able to run with them up the first one, but after that the hills pulled me down to a walk. I was still very happy with my finish time & to have the two best racing buddies I could ask for…as I know our racing days together with me running & them riding are slowly coming to an end.

Mommy & boys, pre-race

Waiting for our turn to start at the starting line gates!

After Cory finished his race, we headed back to the car to head home. We parked in a near-by park, right next to a playground & river. The boys immediately noticed the number of ducks in the water & went down near the water with Cory to get a closer look. Before we knew it, the ducks were following them back to the car. These ducks were so tame; I think Cory could have picked one up. Cory had some leftover cereal that he hadn’t eaten before the race, so he & the boys had some “duck food” to share. The ducks were loving it & the boys got such a kick out of it.