Runner in Disguise

I apologize for the lack of blog updates recently, but about 3 weeks ago I unfortunately tore a ligament in my right thumb.  Last week I had surgery to repair it, but typing is pretty difficult and will remain difficult for several more weeks.  I am not allowed to run until my stitches come out at the end of the month, but I am finding other ways to stay in shape (see: "Cross-training" entry).

Due to my current handicap, this entry will be fairly photo-heavy.  Enjoy!

Running can be hard.  It is a mind-over-matter exercise.  Right foot, left foot, right, left, right, left.  Music can only distract you for so long.  Same goes for counting piles of dog poop along the route (or am I the only one who does this?), or singing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall."  If you are at a race, spectators can be helpful in breaking the monotony, but at a lot of the smaller races, there may not be many spectators.

I have found that occasionally dressing up in costume at races can help make them fun and exciting.  I have dressed up several times for races and it is always fun to see how people react.  Those extra cheers as people yell for you by name (or character) can help propel you forward and make you forget how hard you are working.

So please enjoy some of my favorite costumed race moments!

And as always, I am still raising money for Riley Hospital for Children as I train for the Mini Marathon.  Please click this link and donate to help these awesome kiddos!
http://donate.rileykids.org/goto/staceydraper

And last but not least...my dad dressed as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" at a 5k in Kansas City :-)