Blueberry Ever After

I ran my first 5K of 2009 on Sunday afternoon, the Monster Dash, which took place in Cameron Village. It was chilly and overcast which made it a great afternoon for a run. Kathleen, Bill and Nolan also came out to the event. Kathleen ran in the 1 mile fun run, pushing Nolan in the jogger like a champion, and Bill ran the 5K and won 1st place in his age group--go Bill! I was just happy to complete the 5K standing and came in at a respectable 32 minutes, considerably faster than the 12 minute training miles I have been running lately.

Of course, it helped to know the cutest cheerer on the block was waiting for me. Jay is training Luke well in the art of cheering. I just love turning the last corner to find them yelling my name and encouraging me (well, Luke isn't exactly yelling yet but you get my point)! But they weren't the only cheerers on deck Sunday. Amy came out to support us all, and my friend and former coworker Ashely stood out in the cold as well, since her place was right around the corner from the race start. Thanks to all of my cheerers, I couldn't have done it without you!

Well, today is my official start date, so little man is over at daycare having his first day of school! Luckily I don't travel for training until next week now, so I am right around the corner from him for his first week. He seemed quite content when we left him this morning. Hopefully he'll have a good day. As for me, I have no computer or phone for work yet, so today will be interesting. At least I should be able to go get Luke early this afternoon. This is my first day alone in the house since he's been born, which is strange, but the dogs are here to keep me company!

Last week Luke and I had the chance to catch up with my old MMC buddies, Lora and Sally and their new babies, Ryan (Lora's little boy), and Sydney, Abby & Maya (Sally's girls). We met up at Pullen Park and had a nice walk around the lake and then hung out in the sand while Ryan and the girls did some swinging and then everyone enjoyed a nice bottle. Well, everyone except for me, Sally and Lora. It was a bit early for us! It was great to see my friends and catch up with them. We'll have to do it again soon!

Luke and I joined Courtney, Greg and Avery at the Bikes, Boogie and BBQ festival in Gastonia last weekend. Greg and his team, "Smokin' Hot Butts & Racks" entered the competition in all four categories: chicken, ribs, pulled pork and brisket. It was their second competition and unfortunately they didn't place, although their brisket was the best I've ever tasted! Despite the loss, the festival was a lot of fun and there was plenty of good people watching to be had. Luke had a great time sitting up in his stroller like a big boy and even took a 1 hour nap in the middle of the live music, generators and fans, so Mama got to relax enjoy some cold adult beverages. It was a great day!

There were over 500 bikes at the festival:

Courtney and Avery:

Me & Luke (we were taking Mommy pictures since Jay & Greg never capture us on film!):

Sitting up like a big boy, Luke's new favorite thing!

Mom, why did you put this ridiculously large hat on my head? I don't think it's working for me.

There, now that's better!

Luke's girlfriend Avery:

Avery wearing her shorts as a hat. Okay, so it was Courtney's idea, not Avery's, but funny nonetheless!

Avery wearing her super cute Tar Heel gear!

So Jillian Michaels has been kicking my ass with her 30 Day Shred dvd for about a month now and while I still have a love/hate relationship with her, I am starting to see some results. My cardio level is up considerably from Day 1, when 30 seconds of jumping jacks nearly had me passed out on the floor, and I have even lost a couple of pounds. Yay!

And it must really be working because the other day when I was out walking Luke, a delivery truck driver honked at me. Yes, at me! haha I thought for a while there that I had lost my touch, but it looks like Mama's still got it. That and a sweet farmer's tan from all those lunchtime walks we've been taking. Go on, you know you're jealous!

So thanks Jillian, even though I'd rather post this picture of you on my dartboard, I give your workout two thumbs up!