Race Recap: Run for Pies - 5k

Two weeks ago I ran for a pie in the Run for the Pies 5k.   I decided to enter in this race because of the long history of the race and the chance to win several prizes.  The race has been in existence for about 33 years and is well-known for the 200 free pies given out at the finish line.  The men won a pie if they ran the 5k race in under 20:00 minutes and the women won a pie if they ran the race in under 24:00 minutes.   Sadly, I didn’t qualify for the free pie…I’m not that fast yet.  I don’t know if I ever will be that fast, but I’m sure going to try.

I arrived at the race location about 20 minutes early to see the elite runners compete the Nike 5k Championship.  These runners were invited to compete in this championship race based on previous race times.  The runners received Nike running sneakers as their prize in this special race.  The men had to run under 16:15 and the women had to run under 19:00 to qualify for the free shoes.  It was pretty amazing to watch these runners really move their stuff.  They really made it look it effortless.   The first male finished the race in 15:07 and the first woman finished in 16:45.  Way to go!

After the championship race, the race opened up to everyone else to qualify for the free pie.   Although the race didn’t start until 8:00pm, it was probably over 90 degrees when the race started.  The course was not what I expected for this race.  It was very uneven with a couple of small hills and the streets were covered with pot holes through out downtown.  There were 1429 total race finishers - 737 females and 692 males.  Despite the heat, I managed to finish the race in 29:02.  I was pretty pleased with that time considering that I stopped to walk for a little bit.  I just couldn’t catch my breath. 

This was my first time running in this race and I would definitely sign up for it again.  There was a big post race celebration after the race where the awards were handed out and the some other giveaways.  There was even a pie eating contest, just in case you didn’t win a pie in the race. 

OXOX Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow - Beach Bound

I didn’t get to post this yesterday, but here is my Friday Fresh Picks to Follow for the week.   In a few weeks, I’ll be headed down to Miami Beach for my family reunion.  I’m super excited to spend that time hanging out on the beach by day and going to the clubs at night with my cousins.  We have big plans in place.  I want to get some new items for my trip, but my problem is that I want everything.   I think that I have narrowed it down to a few key items that I must have this summer.  Here are my top 10 picks for this Friday’s Fresh Picks to Follow.   

1. Old Navy - Tie-Dyed Sarongs…$14.99

2. Victoria Secret - Push-Up Halter Tankini Top and Low Rise Bottom…$36.00 & $21.00

3. Echo Design - Bold Stripe Floppy Hat…$38.00

4. Gap - Strapless Print Maxi Dress…$89.99

5. Anthropologie - Off-Duty Aviators…$28.00

6. White House/Black Market - Striped Halter Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom…$46.00 & $38.00

7. Gap - Crochet Tank…$59.95

8. Endless - Mar Y Sol Praia Tote…$79.00

9. Old Navy - Patterned Sandals…$9.50

10. J. Crew - Farmer's Market Tote…$42.50

OXOX Natasha

The Farmer’s Market

I love going to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings and picking up fresh produce and flowers.   Do you guys wake up extra early to buy some goodies?  I used to go every weekend when I lived in Virginia because the market was only 3 blocks away from my apartment.  I loved all of the fresh organic fruits and vegetables and all of the tasty samples that were given out. 

         

I don’t know if you have seen these yet, but Anthropologie has a few kitchen items that are perfect displays for your farmer’s market treats.   There is a Farmer’s Market Basket that comes in a Large Square for $20.00 and a Small Square for $14.00.  There is also a Farmer’s Market Oval Basket for $28.00.   And last but not least, my favorite item is Farmer's Egg Crate.  The egg crate sells for $14.00 and comes in sky blue and white.   All of these items were cast in stoneware from real containers.  I love all of these pieces because they also serve double duty.  They could be used in the kitchen and in the bedroom/closet.  I’ve seen several fashion bloggers use the egg crate as a jewelry holder for smaller items like earrings and necklaces.  It’s such a great idea.  Do you plan on getting any of these Farmer’s Market containers?

OXOX Natasha