Living, Laughing, Learning…Daily
Mother’s Day is Sunday, and all moms love anything with heart behind it. Show the moms in your life you love them and you KNOW them by thinking outside the gift bag this week. Continue reading “Mother’s Day Gifts: Think Outside the Gift Bag”
Whew! This morning came really early- Ann-Marie, Julie and I all headed downtown together before 6am to do the 500 Festival 5k together. We met up with Heather and Katy in the McDonald’s hospitality suite. I think it’s the earliest we’ve ever had such a gathering of Indy Geek Girls.
Each one of us was ready to do our best at the upcoming 5k. Before hitting the pavement, we had the chance to chat with some McDonald’s representatives, including chef Jessica Foust. She answered any questions we had about rumors and media coverage regarding McDonald’s food (read: there is no pink slime, there is only beef in the burgers, and chicken in the nuggets). She was lovely and gracious, and explained the scale on which McDonalds does things. When developing their menu and their food items, they need to keep in mind that they serve 27 million people a day.
At 7:00 am, we found our corral and started walking. One of the best things about the half marathon is all of the entertainment along the way. For the 5k, we shared the first and last mile with the mini, so there was entertainment along the way. The 5k distance went fast- with friends and a crowd to move me along, my pace ended up being 16:31. Not too shabby.
Years ago when I walked the whole 13.1, I always arrived at the after party as it was wrapping up. Let’s face it, it takes a long time to walk 13.1 miles, and by the time I was done, the after party was an afterthought. This morning though, we got the first bananas, the first snacks, and deliciously cold chocolate milk. We visited the McDonald’s sample trailer, and took photos all along the way.
Getting ready for this first 5k was a good way to start moving again. I’m now in the habit of getting several miles in several times a week. Today was my first official 5k after 40 but I know it’s not going to be my last.
“Disclosure: McDonald’s of Central Indiana has provided benefits, including free Finish Line 500 Festival 5K registration, an Arch Card, a t-shirt and giveaway products in exchange for my participation in this campaign.”
With as much as I’m writing about health & fitness, you’d think I’m turning into some kind of nut. Don’t worry though- I’m writing this while eating cold pizza. Today I had the opportunity to attend the WTHR Health & Fitness Expo, and the whole family had an amazing time.
If you’re not going with kids, I think you’ll find plenty of interesting displays and interesting vendors. There are nursing companies, chiropractors, fitness gear and events, and so much more.
If you’re bringing kids, you want to make sure you hit all of the highlights that are there just for them. Let’s put it this way- we were there for three hours, and we didn’t event get to the Kidszone, that’s how much there is to do.
We rode stationary bikes, played tennis, did a Play 60 Colts obstacle course and so much more. We watched an amazing demonstration by the USA Gymnastics Trampoline team (WOW. Just wow), did an Indiana State Police obstacle course, and so much more. I even met a podiatrist who was kind enough to look at my ankle.
The Expo is open tomorrow as well, from 10am -5pm at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It’s a fun day for the whole family, be sure to wear your sneakers, and maybe even workout gear! Free tickets are available with the promo code HEALTH. Have fun!
