Pop and Mere (and the Mardi Gras Half Marathon)

This past weekend Landon and I went to New Orleans to visit my grandparents, Pop and Mere, and run the Mardi Gras half-marathon on Sunday. Though it was a QUICK visit, it was AWESOME.


We drove in late Friday night after we got off of work and then spent the morning and part of the afternoon just hanging out with Pop and Mere at their house. It was so good to see them--I wish they lived closer so we could see them more often.


Then, around lunchtime, Landon's parent flew in to New Orleans, because his dad was walking the half marathon too. So, Landon picked them up at the airport and we all had a yummy lunch at Pop and Mere's and sat and visited for a while.




Then, while Pop and Mere were taking their afternoon naps, we went down to the Expo to check in for the race and spent some time walking around the French Quarter.



That night we headed back to Pop and Mere's and hung out for a little while while we got all of our race stuff ready for the morning. Then, we all went to bed pretty early, after watching a little of the last of the Olympics, because the 5am wake up call comes quick! :)

Landon and I waiting at his parent's hotel, about to head over to the race start.

And, before we knew it, the race had begun. It was a GORGEOUS day--the first race we've run where the weather wasn't freezing or really hot, since the Houston Half Marathon over a year ago. It was awesome. :)

Landon zoomed by us all, running under 8 minute miles. I'm amazed. He did SO good!

Then, I came by a little while later--I think this is about the 8 mile mark or so, a little over halfway.

And then, right around mile 12.5 I got the surprise of seeing Landon cheering me on on the sidelines, after he was finished. He even ran a little bit with me as I finished up the last mile or so! I love you babe!!

We're DONE!! Seeing the finish line in sight and then crossing it is one of the best feelings ever!

We hung out for a little while and then Landon's dad came across the finish line, wearing his alligator hat!

And, we're all done--and all set new PR's--it's amazing what a difference the weather can make. Landon ran a 1:43 (WOW!), I ran a 2:14 and Wes did a 3:15. Now, we get to go EAT, haha!

On our way out of town, we stopped by to see Pop and Mere again and tell them about the race. I'm glad the race gave us an excuse to jump in the car and go visit them--I hate thinking about them being all alone. Next time, we won't wait so long between visits!