I felt blessed to be out running today. It must have been 60 degrees at race time, with a light breeze, and on its way to a low 70s day in the Bay Area. I feel doubly-blessed to be running with my family and for a great cause: the GBS/CIDP Foundation. As always, I encourage you to like my Facebook page athttp://facebook.com/fiftytwofives, and donate over at IndieGoGo.

After yesterday’s crazy time of 20:15 for a 5k, I took it a whole lot easier today. My left calf has a knot in it, my quads were tight, and I had to take a few deep breaths as I warmed up with a yoga-inspired downward dog. I probably should have stretched, rolled, and drank less champagne last night — you’d think I’d have learnt by now.

The Mardi Gras Madness 5k is a well-organized, small, local event that has a small town, happy crowd feel. There were around 150 folks at the race, and no-one was looking too fast or competitive at the start line. I ran with my youngest daughter Rosie, who’s nearly 11, and let her set the pace. My wife Selina took off with the leaders, and my eldest daughter Lucy ran in the middle of the pack.

I ran a 27:05, and enjoyed the streetscape, parks, and ambling along in the middle of the pack. Selina won the women’s and was fourth overall. The girls did great, running with the family is pretty special. Cool t-shirt, nice medal, and a good time had by all.

See you next week for race #8.