This weekend, I have ventured out on an epic journey.
I boarded a plane on Friday evening, and after sitting on the runway for an extra hour and a half proceeded to fly to Richmond, VA in order to run in a 10k with my MOTHER.
That's right.
My mom and I ran 6.2 miles this morning.
Back to the story....So. After multiple flight delays and reading an entire 500 page book, I arrived in Richmond and eventually fell into bed somewheres around 12:30. Six short hours later, I was awakened by an eleven year old voice saying: "Nicolie!" Quite a nice way to wake up!
So we all packed up and left the house by 7:15 (AM!) so that Caroline could be there in time to run the "First Market Mile". We offered her multiple sums of money if she could be the first kid to finish, but she decided to let some other kid do the honors....
Here is our little runner! She did very well. 
So well in fact, that they gave her a plastic medal! Meredith was quite supportive, but did not run due to the fact that she had the flu last week. And also she left her tennis shoes in her locker at school. 
Here I am taking pictures with my cellululular phone. I did bring my camera, but happened to leave the battery in Ohio. Apparently batteries are important when operating cameras...
Couldn't be a true family function without some wacky faces. 
Hello tights! My mom and I are real athletes...that's why we wear tights. And there is less chaffing.
Ew.
Here Caroline is tired and Meredith is plotting to stuff her into a port-a-potty.
We were joined on our run by a cast of characters. There was Uncle Sam...
This guy from Kiss.
Angry Birds guy. He ran the whole way with this huge contraption on and was wearing courderoys. Not tights. Obviously not a true athlete. 
These guys only paid one registration fee, so only one of them could have their feet on the ground at a time. 
Here's what the people want to see!I am explaining to mom that the crusty stuff on our faces is actually salt from our dried sweat.
Ew.
Being a true athlete is an ugly business.
"What?? We're almost done?!?"
The finish line!
We had our own cheering squad. They were awesome!
And our own personal chauffer/photographer. Also awesome.
And we're not dead! Victory!!And that is the story of my first 10k. All in all a fun experience. I highly recommend it - tights and crusty sweat salt included!
Much love, Plain Nicole
