Cajun Cup 10K 2021

Happy Thanksgiving week! I hope you are having a wonderful week with your family as we kick off the holiday season!

I'm so thankful races are back. I was reminded how much I missed racing, the atmosphere, the spectators, and above all else the exhilaration that comes with crossing that finish line!

I knew I needed a 10K for a proof of time for princess (since mine was a year too old) but I wanted to find a good race - one I was familiar with and knew I could obtain my goal.

The Cajun Cup 10K is located in a town about an hour away. I've run it several times in the past so I decided on this one since it was familiar to me!

We left SUPER early that morning because Kim was also running the 1 miler which started about a half hour before the 10K.

My friend wasn't a steady runner prior to this, but I thinks he has been bitten by the running bug! :)

Proud of my friend!

It was in the 40's that morning which translates to SO COLD to us down here in the south. I wasn't quite sure what to wear - did I need my ear cover? gloves? a jacket?  

I finally decided on nothing extra besides what was already on me (long sleeve dry fit shirt and ankle length tights) and that was the best decision! 

This race led us through downtown Lafayette, through a residential neighborhood, then finally over to the Cajun Dome.

The first few miles literally flew by and it was the best feeling! My official goal for this race was to finish under an hour and somewhere in the eight minute per mile range. I knew I wouldn't be anywhere near my 10K PR, but that was ok with me.

I managed to find a group of people who were keeping a somewhat steady pace, so I followed them and it worked!

One thing I will say I'm annoyed about with this race - I clearly heard them say over the loud speaker that it didn't matter where you stood in the starting corral, your time would be calculated from the moment you crossed the start line. It took me a good 20 seconds to cross that start line and although my finish time was 54:44, their official clock time was 55:06 when I crossed the finish line, and that's my official time on the log. I feel like I remember this happening to me at this race before, so I stood closer to the starting line the following time I ran it. Well, I forgot all about that this go round. Oh well, lesson learned for next time!

I'm still proud of myself regardless! I achieved my goal plus some!

After the race, I asked a lady to take our picture and she literally took it crooked. I had to adjust the photo to make it straight. This photo will always make me laugh for that very reason!

Is this how all the cool kids are taking photos now-days? Guess I need to get with the program!

Despite the little time disparity, this race was absolutely perfect! You couldn't have asked for better weather, the sun was shining, the course was mostly flat, and the water supply was perfect. I will definitely be back to run this one again in the future!

Smoothie King was also out with free smoothies after the race! YUM!

Post race offerings in the south are always unique and delicious! You never know what you're going to encounter - for this race, it was jambalya and it was delicious! 

After the race, we went shopping for a little while, then stopped for a late brunch at Another Broken Egg. It was all so good! 

I absolutely love days where you can put away the worries of the week, spend time with a friend, and enjoy the gorgeous weather. A little retail therapy never hurt anything, either! It truly was a perfect day! 

Happy Thanksgiving!! On this holiday week, I'm thankful for so many things, you guys included! Have a wonderful holiday!

Fall Running Plans

Happy Tuesday, y'all! It's officially September now and that means Fall is on the way. The fall decor in my home is up (as of yesterday) - now all we need is change in weather and we will be set!

The thought of fall and cooler weather brings about a new training plan and definitely lots of new possibilities.

So, what's on my fall racing calendar? Let's check it out and see...

• In just a few weeks, our local American Cancer Society is hosting another Gleaux Run and I'm helping with the process. Although I'm not running it, I'll have a lot of behind the scenes involvement and I can't wait! It should be a lot of fun!
• I don't currently have any races planned for October, but I would love to run a 5K if the timing pans out. 
• The Cowboy Gallop 10K will be held the first weekend of November. I've run this one in the past and I really like it! The race always ends on our local University football field which is super fun and it's a nice, flat course. I plan on using this time to submit for Princess. This race currently holds my 10K PR (from 2014) and was my first post-baby race in 2016! I think it's time for a new PR! :)
• Rock n Roll San Antonio is planned for early December and with my brother and sister-in-law's recent move to the area, it gave a little extra incentive to run this race. I'm super excited to return to Texas to visit them and run a San Antonio race for the first time! It should be fun...and hilly...but mostly fun!

 That's it for now. As the weather turns cooler, I'm sure I'll be inspired to throw in an additional race or two here or there. We shall see!

Also, stay tuned for recaps of our recent Disney Fantasy Cruise. We had a blast and really enjoyed our time spent in the Eastern Caribbean! I can't wait to share it with all of you!

What's your fall racing plan look like?

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty. 

Run Faster Than Boo Virtual Race!

How adorable is this medal? I mean really, guys...it glows in the dark and it spins! 

That's right, Gone for a Run's next virtual race is a Halloween themed 10K! 

Here's the details:

• Virtual race will be held October 29-October 31
• Virtual race packet includes race shirt (either Women's Athletic Tank or Men's Lifestyle Tee), finisher medal and real bib (no downloads!)
• Must order by October 19th to guarantee on time packet arrival
• No returns exchanges
• This item is non-eligible for any additional promotions/coupons

Registration (all that's mentioned above) is $32.00...or for $40.00, runners receive a pair of Halloween knee socks added to their packet!

Another part of this race I love is the fact that a percent of each race entry will be donated to Friends of Jaclyn Foundation!

The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation has enriched the lives of over 600 children and their families battling with pediatric cancer. Please read about Jaclyn’s story and the great success of the foundation at http://friendsofjaclyn.org/jaclyns-story.
 

What a great cause! 

Click here to register!

Interested in other Fall/Halloween gear? Gone for a Run has it all! Check out the link above for more info! 

Are you planning to run a Halloween themed race? If so, are you going to dress in costume?

 

Disclaimer: As a Gone for a Run Ambassador, I received entry to this race free of charge. All opinions expressed are my own.