St. Patrick's Day Parade

Little Irish Girl



After the Run



Aunt Kiki & Nora

Today was the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown St. Louis.  This year I started a new tradition for myself by doing the run prior to the parade.  My friend Sarah asked if I wanted to do it and I said sure.  It really got me motivated to start losing weight and working out again, which was just what I needed.

The race was fun!  There were a ton of people that ran...the race route was just opposite of the Komen Race for the Cure route and a little longer.  This was a 5 mile run instead of a 3 mile run.  Sarah ran with me the whole time, which was nice.  I sooo miss having a running partner!  It makes the time go by so much faster.  It didn't feel like we were running for 57 minutes, but we did.  Peter and Nora were there to cheer us on around the 1 mile marker and they then claimed a parade spot.  It was such a beautiful day that there were a ton of people downtown.  I think it ended up being 55 at run time and during the parade in the lower 60's!!!  Just what we ordered.

After I got done with the run I said goodbye to Sarah and headed to our regular spot at 14th and Market.  We laid out the blankets and waited for everyone to show up.  Aunt Kiki, Zach, Grandma, Jalen and a bunch of other friends joined us.  My friend April and her mom walked the run and met up with us after, as well as April's dad and Steve and the boys.  It was fun to have younger kiddos to watch the parade with.  Nora was such a trooper and was outside from 8:45-2:15!  What a long day!  And I only had to take her to the porta potty once!  The kids got lots of candy and beads and had a great time.  I can't wait for the parade on actual St. Patrick's Day!  I am so lucky and excited to be off for Spring Break so we get to go.