Cupcake Mommy Life: My first 4 mile race!!!

Before moving to Memphis I never personally knew anyone that ran a 5K much less a marathon and even less a triathlon. Well those are normal activities for so many girls out here including my very close friends. In fact my husband and I have an inside joke that you know you've landed in Memphis when you get off the plane and see people in running shorts, they're everywhere!!
Anyway, after watching all my friends train for all their races I knew I would eventually run at least a 5k but just didn't know when. Last week my friend sent us all a group text and asked if we'd join her in a 4mile run called "Zoom through the Zoo". Since I'll be moving in just a few short weeks this was my last chance to do this with my girls, so I signed up to do it 2 days before the race without any training! Crazy, I know! The put the boys in the stroller the day before and was only able to run for 6 min straight before feeling like I was gonna die. The next day i woke up sore and was so nervous. I'm sure my friends were laughing at me especially since one of them had just completed a triathlon. Once we arrived I instantly understood why people get addicted to running these races. There was an excitement in the air and adrenaline was flowing as we all gathered by the starting line. I set a goal in my mind before the race that no matter what, I was going to run the whole thing! It was a crazy goal especially cuz the day before I nearly passed out after 6 min. The race started and we were all off. My Friend Kadie and I promised each other we'd stick together and that we did. The trail and paths were all through the zoo along side the animals and outside throughout a beautiful park with tall shaded trees. That alone made this experience so much more memorable. My only stop was to snap a quick pic in front of the elephant, cuz it thought it was so cool to be in the zoo after hours. I even took out my ear buds with music cuz I wanted to soak in the beautiful sounds of nature that surrounded us. Anyway, I did it. I finished all 4 miles and never stopped to walk. It really was all mental. I set a goal and I was determined to stick to it. I kept replaying the phone call with my husband after the race of me telling him I ran the whole thing and that alone gave me the will to keep on running. When I reached the home stretch I pulled out extra energy from who knows where and began to speed up my run. I ran full speed into the finish line. I felt so good and proud if my self and needless to say this won't be my last race... I'm hooked. Here are a few pics