Bill's First 5K!

3.11 miles - Bill, me, and the kid

Ready, set, run away with the circus! Wearing my lucky Solmate Socks, because life is too short for matching socks

The kid and I spend 3 to 4 days a week jogging so we can compete in the local 5K events.  Bill decided to join in the fun and accompany us for the Cirque du Soliel run.

He did very well and I am proud to say we finished in the top 2/3rds of the pack.

There were over 750 runners for this event, plus there were walkers, all on the same trail. Some of the Cirque performers joined in the run while others rode bikes and offered encouragement as we jogged by.

After the race, there was a trapeze class for all the kids who participated, face painting, and pictures with the performers.  I am pretty proud of my little running troupe.  Can't wait for the 8K event in April!

5K Marathon!

3.19 miles - 38 minutes

 We asked the kid what prize he would like for getting "greens" all month in January.  He said he wanted to run a marathon.  Wait, what?!  

So, we trained all month long and joined the "Super Run, Heroes vs Villains" 5K marathon.  All runners got a cape and everyone who finished got a medal.  We went dressed as Batman and Batgirl (of course) and he wore the cape the whole race.  I wore my Solmate Socks, because life is too short to wear matching socks (their slogan).

The kid jogged right with me for the full race at a steady 5mph pace. I was so impressed with him!  He wore the cape the rest of the day and was absolutely adorable.  He's already picking out which 5K we will be doing next.

So EXCITED!

19 minutes - 0.68 miles - Morgan
18 minutes - 0.72 miles - Rhulain

Morgan, the foster child, and I took a walk this evening to the end of the street.  On the way back to the house, I thought about riding Morgan for the quarter mile home.  But, I only had a halter and a lead rope, and I'd never ridden bareback off our property ... do I dare?

I did!

I clambered up a dirt embankment and lined her up.  As I started to slide across her back, the dirt caved, and I smacked my lip with my phone (I'll have a fat lip for sure).  She was an absolute dream.  She kept a beautiful, even walk.  It was so dreamy that we extended our walk beyond the gate.  Absolutely magical ... thank you Morgie!

Still glowing, I asked Rhulain if she wanted to go for a walk.  She left her food willingly and joined me for a walk, even though the sun had set and the darkness was deepening.  We crossed the street with no trepidation, faced down oncoming traffic, and sauntered home.

Even though my horses were filthy from rolling in the rain, I couldn't imagine a more perfect experience!

2 in 1 - First Bareback Ride on Rhulain

24 minutes - 0.92 miles - Morgan

 Morgan was more interested in snacking than how the new bitless fit or looked.  That's my Morgie girl ... never one to miss a meal.  Love her!

 We started out with me walking beside her, but after a half mile she stopped next to a sandy embankment.  I know her well enough to know that means "get in the saddle already."  So I did.  Absolute comfort.  Thank you Morgie!

18 minutes - 0.90 miles - Rhulain

Rhulain and I started out on the same path, but she didn't feel like walking ... she wanted to trot.  So, I obliged by climbing in the saddle and allowing her to set the path and pace.  It was so freeing!  I had to slow her down a few times because of footing changes, but we spent most of the time just trotting along merrily. *sigh* She's dreamy.

After we got home and I untacked her, she stood there with the back leg cocked watching me.  Her bare back looked so inviting.  I didn't think twice ... I hopped up on a tree stump, slid my leg across her back before I could second guess the wisdom of this action.
Yep, she was dreamy.  
I really got a feel for her and realized I need to slide her saddle back a bit farther to accommodate her shoulder action.  She stopped when I asked and allowed me to take a picture with flash before I slid off.  

Have I mentioned she's Amazing yet?