Recap of the Minden St Jude Race | Minden Louisiana Photorapher

If you have followed us along on social media then you know we ran in the Minden St Jude 5k this past weekend. This was my first ever race and it was an absolute blast!! No doubt, I will be doing it again next year.

We went to bed nice and early the night before and work up before the sun. I woke up at 4:50 and tried to go back to sleep, but i couldn’t. I eventually got out of bed at 5:20.

I started to coffee pot, made a bagel and sat down to eat. By that time, Elaine comes shuffling out of bed. Followed soon by Emma. All of us awake before the sun. This is a rare occasion for sure.

We finished getting ready and headed out the door by 6:40. We arrived just in time to use the bathrooms and get some color bags to toss in the air. Right after the 1/2 marathoners left out we headed for the color toss. Meeting our nephews William and Drew with their Dad.

3, 2, 1 – throw your color!!! We were covered in a rainbow of color powder. It was so fun, and messy. But fun!

Not long after the color toss the kids lined up for their fun run. Off they went as fast as they could!! Running one mile before darting through the finish line to receive their medal. Oh what fun they had!

Once all the kids returned the 10k group lined up and off they went. Another color toss for the 5k group commenced.

Now comes the 5k runners turn. We began to line up and wait for our call to go out. Oh the nerves. 3, 2, 1- off we go! It was chaos getting out of the start line but once I got around everyone I was off! I started out faster than I planned but the adrenaline kicked in. Passing folks right and left. Dodging dogs and strollers. That felt crazy. Haha!

I realized I started off too fast so I began to try and pace myself so that I would have the energy to finish strong.

During the race I came up on a few racers in their 80s. Running non stop. They may not have been fast, but the kept going. It was such an inspiration to not give up! I couldn’t help but feel so proud of them, even though I did not know them. There they were, maybe not the fastest runners on the course but that didn’t stop them.

At the half way point we stopped for a quick sip of water. I waved at different ones I knew waiting there to cheer us on. This was so fun!

We started to make our way back towards the finish line. Tired, but not stopping. Little did I know, when I crossed the finish line I was 7 seconds away from coming in third place for my age group. What?!?

This was my very first race and I came SO close to getting a medal. Let me tell you, this out a fire in me to make AT LEAST third next time. Ha!

We had the absolute best time and I can’t wait for another run!! I’m hooked y’all. Hooked line and sinker!

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible!! The race alone raised $98,000 for st Jude! Amazing!! I’m so proud of everyone that came and raced. It was the best time!