23:28

Today was the Katy Trail 5k Race. The Katy Trail is one of our favorite places to run. It's a soft surface, it's shady, and it's nice scenery. We usually run the whole trail on Wednesdays which is 7 miles total. But today was the Katy Trail 5k...it's a fun race and afterwards there's a picnic where all these different restaurants give out samples...pieces of pizza, mini sandwiches, a little plate of pasta salad, chips and queso, cookie ice cream sandwiches, cups of fudgy-brownie stuff, etc. It's yummy. But crowded.

It's been a while since we've run a 5k, as we've been more interested in running longer distances, but I've been training with some speed work, and I definitely knew I was getting faster. The last 5k we did was December a year ago and our time was 28 something or other...9 minute miles.

I've done tons of 5k's, actually. Growing up with an avid runner for a father, my dad would cajole me into coming along with him because I desperately needed the exercise...and I would run-walk them. I was used to running surrounded by middle-aged semi-plump women.

Well, today's race, looking around, I felt proud of the company we were keeping. Folks were younger, older, taller, shorter, but all fit and strong looking. As we were finishing, the people directly around me were fit-looking men, which was startling. Casey finished a little before me, but my time was 23:28, which is 7:33 miles.

After stuffing my face, of course, I talked to my dad and told him my time. He was so excited for me. He's not one to pander to someone's feelings and when he gives praise, it's sincere. He said over and over how proud he was of me and how impressed with how fast we ran. It made me feel really good. I guess no matter how old you are, you still need your daddy to be proud of you.

I celebrated by chasing our dog Charlotte around the living room. She won, but she cheats....I don't jump over the couch, but we were both happy. :-)