Ras na...what?

I ran the Ras na Heireann 5k yesterday (and yes, I totally had to google that to get the correct spelling). With a field of 5,000 people, it's the largest race that I've done so far. I ran essentially the same course in December, and got stuck behind a bunch of walkers for about the first mile, so I was a little concerned about that happening again. That concern was totally unfounded, however, as the race was super well-organized. We separated ourselves into corrals at the starting line according to our pace, and I didn't get trapped by any walkers! Woohoo! I missed my goal by 2 seconds, but I'm still quite proud of my time (8:16 avg pace, if anyone is interested).

My cheering section insisted that I got passed by several people pushing strollers, but half of the cheering section is a pathological liar (hi, sister, I love you!). I still don't know if that's true or not, but honestly it wouldn't surprise me. I have a tendency to get passed by 8 and 10 year old kids. Seriously. There's nothing that will take the wind right out of your sails quite as fast as a kid that's half your size and 1/3 your age blowing right by you as you're approaching the finish line.

And nothing will take the wind out of HIS sails quite like surreptitiously sticking out your arm and clotheslining the little upstart.

Moving right along. The finisher's medal is probably one of the more useful medals that I've gotten. Not only is it a bottle opener; it's a keychain, too! What better way to celebrate your athletic endeavors than by cracking open a beer.

In other news, I did a photo session with two lovely cats this weekend, Nala and Jasmine. Here's a sneak peak, enjoy!


Jasmine, displaying the sense of entitlement that all cats have down to a science.


And Nala, who clearly has not been fed in weeks, the poor dear.