Bloomsday, Baby!

As a lot of you know, last weekend I walked my first Bloomsday (craziness!!), which is a 12k walk/run.

 To celebrate, I thought I would share a little picture journey of the experience with you...(why did I suddenly give myself some early 80's nostalgia with that line? *shrugs* maybe I was subjected to too many slide shows in school...)

The week leading up to Bloomsday my lovely future sis in law surprised me with a different present each day to keep me motivated! She's pretty amazing.

Day 1: My favorite flavor of taffy (which is peppermint, in case you were wondering)

Day 2: She brought me my favorite latte (white chocolate, again in case you were curious)

Day 3: Peanut Butter Protein Power

Day 4: A new bandana in my favorite color (bandanas are required for any activity that involves hiking and/or a walk/run that is measured by kilometers.)

Day 5: A mini walking path..."Walking is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and for your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed." - Charles Schulz

Day 6: Fancy new socks (they're super comfy, by the way)

I'm saving Day 7 until the end

Now for race time!

I'm told that carb loading is a thing some professionals do so of course we had to as well. Proscuitto Wrapped Chicken and Lemon Butter Pasta. It was amazing!

A pre-race worship service.

I asked my Dad to do Bloomsday with me, and since I'm his favorite daughter, he couldn't say no...muahahahahahahahaha!!

Lego dudes! Apparently, wearing a costume is a thing for Bloomsday. I may have to rethink my attire for next year.

The start line! At this point tens of thousand of people had already crossed the line and the winner of Bloomsday had already been across the finish for about 15 minutes...I tried not to think about that.

Here's a better view of the start line taken by one of the professional Bloomsday photographers.

Finally starting the race!

Another pic of a costumed racer...maybe I'll plan for Doctor Who themed ensemble next year...Allons-y!!

Eye of the Tiger, folks! Honestly, I got a little emotional at the finish line. Two and half years ago, I would have never dreamed of being able to do something like Bloomsday. Now I have my first one under my belt, and I'm planning on doing it again next year.

We made it!! Just don't ask us to do anything else very fast right now. We're in full on sloth mode at this point.

My treat for finishing: my favorite drink from my favorite coffee chain.

Now for Day 7: Chelsey gave me this gorgeous charm after the race.

If you're betting that this made me tear up, you win all the prizes!

There's no way in the world I could have done this without the support of my awesome family and amazing friends. I had two sweet friends give up their afternoons and evenings to do practice walks with me to help me get ready for the the big day. I had my small group praying that I would cross the finish line, and I had people calling, texting, and messaging me with encouraging words. It was insane!

The outpouring of love knocked my socks off! Thank you all!!!! 

Shirley is my spirit animal.