Baton Rouge Beach Marathon Weekend!

Several months ago my sister in law Daphne told me that she had some co-workers running in the Baton Rouge beach half marathon and that she was thinking of training and running. We have both had a rough year with injuries, so we trained to see how our bodies would hold up and then a month before registered to run. I have to say, I really was hoping I could do it. After having to miss the Woodlands half marathon in February after having injured my hamstring, I desperately needed the mental and physical comeback. I have always loved running and for 20 years have never been really injured, so the hamstring injury has really been weighing on me. Physically it has been brutal to go from the fastest training I have done in years to not being able to walk or run down the end of my street. I had to take it literally a quarter of a mile at a time. It was so frustrating. Mentally it has even been worse. Running has always been my outlet and been something I needed for myself to feel at peace. I really had to try and re-find myself during the 9-10 month recovery. I tore my hamstring on February 20th, and on December 5th I finally made a leap toward a comeback.
My family joined me on the 4 hour drive to Louisiana and we stayed with my sister in law Daphne who was kind enough to let us all take over her apartment. Friday we played at a beach volleyball pit that Cavin was in love with, and we picked up our race packets and watched a family movie. I was pretty nervous the morning of the race that my leg wouldn't be strong enough to finish. It was pretty cold, but it ended up being a great run. It was beautiful scenery and it was great to have Daphne by my side! My leg was sore, but I definitely felt fine. We finished and I am so glad to have that race behind me!

Here we are finishing together!

We did it! The injuries didn't take us down!

I was glad to have my family there supporting me and cheering me on!

Beach selfie!

It really was so pretty running around the water and LSU campus. So many beautiful old trees!

This cutie was happy to be outside!

After the race we went to have gumbo at her co-workers house and then headed to the Baton Rouge Zoo. It was perfect weather outside. What made it even better is we practically had the whole place to ourselves!

Family picture by the otters!

I love how everything was so exciting to Deacon!

The zoo lights were turning on as we were leaving!

Ella sure loves her Aunt Daphne.

After the zoo we had a yummy meal at Mooyahs burgers.

Daphne read the kids a great Christmas book before bed!

On Sunday we went to Daphne church which happens to be the same parking lot as the Baton Rouge temple.

Ragnar and his little sis!

 Daphne with her nieces and nephews who adore her!

I am glad we have each other forever! It was a great weekend!