Great Falls Icebreaker Race

Every year on the last Sunday in April, there is a race called the Great Falls Icebreaker that is held in our city. It is a family event and is open to everyone. You can participate in the 1 mile race, the 3 mile, or the 5 mile. Last year, Nick ran the 5 mile and enjoyed it enough to go on to compete in several other races since. This was my first year running the race (Ellie was born only days before the race last year, so I wasn't able to go). We both chose to do the 3 mile race this year and were pretty pleased with our results.

About 20 minutes before the start of the race.

Nick finished in 30:01. He placed 35th out of 45 in his age category (25-29). Keep in mind, he was pushing Ellie in the jogging stroller the whole way, and had to weave around crowds of people. Even so, he did amazing! Way to go, honey!

I finished in 38:26, and for me, I thought that was pretty good. I placed 52nd out of 76 in my age category (25-29). Just a quick shout out to Val, my running partner (and Nick's former dental assistant), for running with me - we made a great team and pushed each other just the right amount! Thank you!

Val & I with less than 1/4 mile to go!

Crossing the finish line.

As always seems to be the case in Montana, the weather was a bit sketchy on race day - particularly for the people that ran the 5 mile race. A mixture of rain, snow, and sleet is how the 5 milers got to start their race. Thankfully, it cleared up for a bit by the time we started the 3 mile race, although it was still quite cold (37 degrees). Mile 1 during our race was sunny and clear. Mile 2 was windy and overcast. Mile 3, it cleared up again. The sleet started again after the race was finished, so really, we got lucky. But Ellie didn't seem to mind - she stayed quite warm and content in the jogging stroller, and even managed to take a little snooze!

We're finished! Daddy let Ellie wear his medal.