Sweet as Honey: Mel's First 5K and Zoo

This year marks the third year I have done a 5K at the Louisville Zoo called Throo the Zoo. The first year my sister Kelli and I ran it, the next Meric and I ran it. This year Meric, Lissy, Mel and I planned to run it.

The morning started out early and raining. We arrived at the zoo an hour before the race to check in and get our t-shirts. Because of the rain we all stayed in the truck and waited for the race to begin. The closer we got to the start time the harder it rained. Mel is a little too small to sit in her jogging stroller so we use it by placing her car seat in it. The car seat fits fairly well but the rain flap doesn't quite cover the whole seat. With the rain coming down harder Meric volunteered to stay in the truck with Mel while Lissy and I ran the race in the rain. When Lissy and I got to the starting line they announced that the start time would be delayed 30 minutes. In that 30 minutes the rain let up to a light drizzle so Meric and Mel were back in the race.

Everytime I have done this race the first 2 miles wind through the neighborhood (which is flat) and the last mile winds through the actual zoo (which is hilly). This year the entire race wound through the zoo. I was really not prepared for such a hilly 5K. I almost made it a full 2 miles before I had to stop and walk. We finished the race a little under 40 minutes. That is definitely not my best time but it was a fun and challenging race.

Check out my May 2012 blog to compare Kelli the gorilla to Lissy!

Right after the race we enjoyed the free water, bananas, apples, and yogurt that was offered. I think a lot of people didn't show up because of the rain so there was a lot of food available. We ended up walking away with a couple bunched of bananas, several apple slices and an entire container of yogurt. Between the t-shirt, free admission to the zoo and the free food I think I actually made money on this race. (Being an Irishman's daughter, I can't help but like free stuff.)

Mel slept through the entire 5K and woke up shortly after we started walking around the zoo. She didn't really notice too many of the animals. They were too far away and not moving enough to catch her attention. There was one orangutan that put on a show and had her undivided attention. It was swinging upside down and banging on the window.

At only 3 months old Mel is a little young to really enjoy the zoo or a 5K but we had fun with her. If we have our way there will be several more 5Ks and zoo visits in her future.