10K
Saturday was the Monument Avenue 10K, a giant road race here in Richmond that has become a Petersik family tradition of sorts. One year we had 13 family members run or walk it, along the with 40,000-some other folks who participate.
But lately it’s just been a few of us running (this year was my 11th consecutive year) while others cheer us on from the sidelines. Our newest cheerleader being Miss Clara herself. Did someone say more cowbell?
I owe Sherry (and my mom and sister Carrie) a big thanks for camping out in the light drizzle just to catch a glimpse of us speeding by for a hot second (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating how fast I was actually running).
Clara was kept busy with books…
…and snacks…
…but eventually they caught that glimpse of me strutting my stuff down the street.
As fun as it is to see my girls cheering me on the from the sidelines, I am eager for the day Clara can join me in the run (assuming I’m still up for it a decade or so from now). And we’ll have to get Clara some better shoes. And solve this socks and sandals situation going on:
Just in case any other runners are curious about my race, it was good, but not my best. I ran it in 48:37 – about 2 minutes slower than my fastest time (in 2007) and 90 seconds slower than my 67 year old father ran it this time. Someday I’ll beat him. But I guess I’d have to squeeze in more than one run per month to actually get faster. Maybe next year!
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Good times, considering you “squeeze in one run a month”! :)
Congratulations! I’m new to the whole running thing – I barely beat your time on both of my 5k runs! So you’re still doing a lot better than a lot of us…even if you’re not beating our dad! :) It’s nice to know people in blogland work out sometimes, too!
Have a wonderful day!
Emily
Way to go John!
Ah I ran the same race! Drove about 4 hours just to run it. I’m so sad I didn’t catch a glimpse of John running so I could cheer him on! Of course, he was 20 minutes ahead of me ;) Great run, John!
Congrats on running it too Janelle! I feel ya on the driving bit too – I did this race while living in New York City one year!
-John
I was wondering if you ran it again this year. Great time! Especially for not training that hard.
This race is one thing I always regretted not doing while I lived in Richmond. A lot of my college friends ran it this year and I always think about traveling down to finally do it. I mean- I did live on Monument Avenue after all. Me and Stonewall Jackson were like *this*.
Maybe next year!
If you and ol’ Stonewall are buddies, you might enjoy this: http://www.richmondmonuments.com/ (it’s a guy who draws comics about the monuments around town).
-John
Thanks for the link! Totally up my alley. One of the reasons I love Richmond is because of hidden art like that.
Wow! Great time! My 10K PR is 1:06:32 (hoping to get much closer to 0:59:59 by next year. Yay running!
I ran my first “race” with my dad at age 4. It was a one mile Memorial Day fun run. There were clowns and fire trucks and balloons, so it was perfect for young kids. Over the years I ran faster and faster. I stepped it up to the 5k one year with my dad, and thus began our running career together. We did triathlons together and ran more weekend 5ks than I can count. He eventually introduced me to cross country where I really excelled in high school. It is so fun to look back on those memories with my dad. You will really enjoy it with Clara some day.
What an awesome family tradition! You are setting a great example for Clara to do what she loves and stay healthy in the process – well done!
I was brought to tears this AM when my kids told me they tried to get you both to wish me a Happy Birthday wish….but alas you were too busy. I know you are. But today I am 60 .
B.
Aw, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARB!!!!!! We love you, gal! Hope it’s the best day ever.
xo,
s
Great job! This was my first year running it and my first 10k. Can’t wait to do it again.
Just looking at still images of people running makes me hungry (and really tired. I should see a doctor..) Seeing Clara go to town on that food while watching people exercise is like looking in a mirror. I’ve never made a comment on your blog until today. Mainly because I have zero self control and I’d start writing things like “That lamp is so cute, I could eat it” and the most worrying, “Clara is so adorable I could steal her.” I promise I won’t. I’m Canadian and..and…please don’t call the cops. Jokes aside, you guys are SO cool. I can’t do many things with my hands like you guys. The most impressive thing is licking doritos powder off my fingers. *mmmm..*
LOL! Please leave more comments – this one cracked me up!
-John
Yes, leave more comments! This might be the coolest comment ever, hahaha.
For a girl that can’t do anything – this was absolutely hilarious. Best comment ever on YHL.
Nice run John! And wow to your dad too!
We ran into Sherry and Clara ever-so-briefly in the drizzle at the party stop. Didn’t see you dash past, but we did manage to spot my husband and cheer for him (he posted a respectable 49:30, go Brad!) I love going to the 10k, either to run, walk or cheer :)
Sorry I missed you – and congrats to Brad!
-John
Great job! I’m in the middle of training for my first 1/2 Marathon and a bathroom renovation at the same time :) Crazy times. Happy Running.
I recently ran my first race (lucky 7k on st pattys day) and my husband was at the finish line cheering me on with all three kids in tow. It was such a wonderful thing to have them there supporting me. Way to go Sherry and Cara for cheering on John and kudos to John! I am working up to a 10k and there is no way I will be anywhere close to your finishing time!
That sounds like a great time to me! I’m getting ready to run the Charlottesville half marathon next week (my first half!) And I run a steady ten minute mile. Slow and steady may not win the race but I’ll be happy just finishing! Maybe I’ll have to do the Monument 10k next year:)
Awesome job on running a race 10 years in a row! I ran my first half marathon two weeks ago!
I like to keep track of my races on athlinks.com and you can search for yourself and see all your past results… it’s pretty cool to see the stats!
Congratulations John! Especially on being even able to smile for a lovely shot (with a green haired dude in the background o.O) during the run! :)
I know this post is not about Clara and her hair, but I have to comment on her cute little bow hair clip! Yay for hair accessories! :)
Nice! Just enjoyed the leftover posters and sidewalk chalk drawings on a run down Monument. At one point a guy ran by me cracking up and pointing at my dog and I turned to see that he was running with a whole hot dog bun clenched in his teeth. Pretty awesome and very much an “Anchorman” moment – “you ate a whole wheel of cheese? heck, i’m not even mad, that’s amazing!”
what is Clara eating? it looks good! :-)
It’s an “All Natural Fruit Strip” by Stretch Island Fruit Co. They’ve got ‘em at our local Kroger and Clara loves ‘em!
-John
Lunch nerd alert: Check out the Market Pantry, theTarget brand of fruit leather. They come boxed, 10 for $2.99 (cheaper than Stretch Island) AND it’s organic (SI is not). Stocked near the granola bars. :)
Oooh, thanks for the tip!
-John
oh, and yay for you John!!!!!! :-) I had a one track mind when I saw Clara’s snack.
Congratulations John! I can imagine what a rush you’d be given by seeing your family smiling & cheering you on. What a special moment.
Running a 10K is on my “life list”. We’ll see…
I grew up in Richmond, but moved 3 years ago and I miss running the Monument Ave 10K so much! I lived in the Fan and loved being able to run a race through my own neighborhood. No other race is quite the same. Glad to see you all enjoy it!
Goodness you’re fast! It was my first time running that race or any 10K for that matter. I sure hope I run it 11 times!
Congrats on your first 10K Adrienne! If it makes you feel any better, I barfed after my first one. :)
-John
Wow John, that photo of you really shows off your loooong legs. lol Work it.
LOL – thanks! Perhaps it’s my short running shorts doing me lots of favors? :)
-John
as the wife of a leukemia survivor (4 years remission this fall – woohoo!), thanks to you for not only running this year but all the past & future years!
i’m a native richmonder so even though i am living in another state now, i was happy to see my facebook feed full of friends & family participating in this 10K. the list of cancer-survivors is long & they are so grateful for those who participate in causes like this to contribute to resarch-funding.
Just a note – the 10K itself does not benefit the cancer center – but it is the official race charity! None of the registration fees go toward the cancer center – but Sportsbackers are awesome to partner with Massey year after year to help put on a connected fundraising effort!
How much do I love that your dad always beats you in the road races? ;) Congrats on notching the 11th consecutive year of running the 10K! Strong work!
PS. I can’t quite make out what’s on your shirt? I know it’s not a soda shirt…
It’s says “Virginia is For Runners” (as a play on the state tourism motto: Virginia is For Lovers”).
-John
For the record,
Socks + Crocs = Acceptable. On children only :)
Congrats on your time, John! I don’t even think I could TRAVEL 10K on my own two feet..so, ya know… You’ve got that going for ya :)
Congratulations, John! I just started running (pathetically) a couple of months ago, though I am far, far away from a 10K.
Random question: Does Clara keep the bows in her hair? Our daughter always wore pigtails (she had a crazy amount of hair at birth!), and–starting last month–she now refuses to have anything in her hair! Any tricks to keep the bows in? haha
It depends on her mood, I guess. The other day she actually requested a bow and kept it in for a couple of hours (and yesterday I snuck one in and it stayed most of the day). But other times we can’t even get it near her head.
-John
That is an AWESOME time, I ran an incredible 15K this weekend! Way to go John!
Wow, 15K! That’s awesome.
-John
Does Sherry ever run it with you? I used to be a runner. Usually, it was because I had stuff on my mind and decided to gain clarity through running. It totally works. A couple years ago I was running up to 13 miles in 75 minutes. And then I got pregnant with my son (two years ago!) and I haven’t strapped on the shoes since. It’s so hard to get back on that wagon once you fall off. Good for you though! I’m desperately trying to get back in shape to do a mud run. Running= fun. Running + mud = shenanigans of the highest degree.
Sadly no. Sherry used to be a great (and very fast!) runner back in high school, but she got an ankle injury out of the deal that makes it hard for her to go any distance at all. She walked the 10K with my family a few years ago though!
-John
Nice job! I’m doing my first 10k this summer! The PeachtreeRoadRace road race in Atl. I’m just hoping to finish. Maybe one day I’ll strive to reach your time!
You’ll do great. Good luck training Ashley!
-John
Awesome time! My husband ran last year, but we skipped this year. I’ve never been a runner but I set a personal goal of running the 10k next year. I’m going to start small with the Susan G. Korman 5k in May though :)
Congrats John!! I’ve heard that’s a really fun race. I’m training for my first 10K right now.
Good luck, Rachel – enjoy it!
-John
good job! and your Clara is just so stinkin’ cute!!!!!!
Congrats on the race!! How fun. In the midst of training for my 2nd half. I’m totally with you on looking forward to the day my daughter can join me!!
Way to go! And kudos to your father! I ran my first 10k this weekend. The Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC. I finished in 1.06.41. It was fantastic! Can’t wait til next year when my then 15-year-old daughter will join me.
Congrats! I bet it’ll be fun to have your girl run with you next year.
-John
Congrats! The Monument Ave 10k was the first race I ever did. I still have my bib framed! I did it in 2008, 2009 & 2011 (2010 I was 28 years pregnant and this year I was 29 weeks pregnant!) I hope to be able to do it again next year. I only walk it, but it was still one of the most gratifying experiences that I have had! My first year I cried when I crossed the finish line. But I must say, there is definitely nothing quite like having your child there to cheer you on! See any good costumes this year? Or are most of the costumed people back with the slower waves?
We didn’t spot as many good costumes this year as usual, unfortunately. Usually I can spot them while we’re all getting ready to start. Oh well. Though it would be fun to see someone dressed as a woman 29 years pregnant. That would be sight! :) Maybe see you next year?
-John
Clearly I need to proof read better before a post a comment! I’ll blame pregnant brain for that one! 40 weeks is more than enough for me!!
No worries. We blamed a lot on pregnant brain around here back when Sherry was pregnant. I even borrowed it as an excuse sometimes!
-John
WOW – Great job! I was able to run a complete mile today for the first time (5k is on my goal list this yr) and I felt like I won the lotto…. I hope one day I can even run 10 miles straight.
High Five Buddy!
High five right backatcha!
-John
Awesome John! Kudos from a fellow runner! I just did my first marathon here in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. And I’m doing the Hollywood Half Marathon this Saturday! I had no idea running was so much fun! I’ll be doing a charity 10K in May. Gotta love it!
:)
Congrats on your marathon Kelly. I can’t only dream of (and quiver at) the idea of running that far.
-John
I walked..operative word there, the 10K this weekend, lots of fun, my friend saw you on the way to meet me to start. I agree, not as many cool costumes this year, however the Fear the Fair roller coaster was pretty funny!
True! Though I only caught it later in photographs. Sorry I missed the chance to say “Hi” to your friend!
-John
Hey John! Way to go. I participated in the Cooper River Bridge 10K in Charleston, SC this past weekend. You should check it out for next year. Lots of fun!!!!
Sounds like a great run!
-John
I’m usually on the sidelines with a mimosa in hand but this year decided since I couldn’t enjoy a mimosa (30 weeks pregos) I had no reason not to walk it! Maybe next year I’ll be needing to run it to get rid of the baby weight!
So glad you joined us, Lorin. :) Hope you enjoyed it!
-John
I ran a 10k last weekend too! (I wrote about it yesterday – http://www.goannatree.com/2012/places-and-faces/relishing-the-race/ ) The weather was gorgeous here (in Australia) and it was lots of fun!
congrats John! That time is nothing to sneeze at and your dad! wow, colour me impressed!
Glad you had a great run, Anna. I enjoyed your post about it!
-John
Congrats! My husband, daughter and I were supposed to do a 5k this past weekend but my family ended up coming into town. It would have been my first one post pregnancy. Hopefully, I’ll have another shot at one soon.
Good luck when the time comes!
-John
Great job dude! The hubby and I will be attempting The Peachtree Road Race 10K in Atlanta this 4th of July. We are going to try and beat our 1:38 minute time from last year! Thank God they don’t post the time on the t-shirts….
Oh man, a road race in Atlanta in July sounds hot! Congrats on making it through (I’m not a good hot weather runner).
-John
Congratulations on the 10k! That’s dedication doing it 11 years in a row.
I started running last year, as a way to support a friend of mine. I hated it when I started, but LOVE it now. I’m doing my first 10k race in about 3 weeks (Yonge Street 10k, Toronto Ontario!), and I’m both terrified and excited. I won’t beat your time, but I’ll keep it in mind!
Having family come out to watch these types of accomplishments makes them all the better. Hopefully Clara takes it up in the future too!
Good luck in your race! You’ll have a great time!
-John
Hey, at least you got out there! I’ll be training for a 5k most likely (baby steps) to get back into running slowly after my baby’s born (well, the spring after, let’s not push it). Clara looks like she had the best seat in the house!
i have a potentially silly question. I’m Canadian, over here we do kilometres, you guys do miles. But i’m assuming the 10k is kilometres, based on both your time, and…the k. Are races usually in kilometres? And are you laughing and how i’m spelling kilometre?
anywho, i’m training for my first 10k for the end of May. And by training I mean putting off training for. eek. I’d better get running – i am by no means a natural!
Yep, the K is kilometers. Not sure why races are done that way despite everything else being in miles. :)
-John
Yay John! I’m signed up for my first 5k in June and I am very much NOT a runner. I still have to interval run 2 miles. So I’ve been training and practicing. I was thrown off because of a couple injuries but I’m going to get back to training tomorrow! I alternate between trail running (my favorite) and pavement. And I give Sherry encouragement to try! I’ve had four ankle reconstructions. I definitely can’t do long distance either (10K would likely not bode well with the screw in my heel) but I’m trying for the 5k. Training on non-pavement surfaces definitely helps too!
Trail running is my favorite too. And that’s great to hear you can still do that much after four ankle reconstructions. That sounds like serious business!
-John
Wow. A run once/month and you still got in under 50 minutes for a 10K. Impressive!