CASA Superhero 5K Race Report

My sister and I ran/walked the CASA Superhero 5K today. What is CASA? Check it out:

The Mission of CASA of Hidalgo County, Inc. is to speak for the best interests of the children in the courts by promoting and supporting quality volunteer representation to provide each child a safe, permanent and nurturing home.

In their role as the child’s advocate, volunteers make contact with family members, medical personnel, witnesses, district attorneys, attorney ad litems, guardian ad litems, law enforcement personnel and any others who have had involvement in the child’s case. The volunteers will then make a recommendation to the judge as to how to meet the child’s best interest. Additionally, the volunteers advocate for and monitor the children in the foster homes or temporary relative home placements.It is the goal of CASA of Hidalgo County, Inc. to ensure that every child in Hidalgo County who needs a child advocate has one. CASA Volunteers make lasting impressions on the lives of abused and neglected children, and positively impact the judicial and child welfare systems.   

Yeah, I'd say that's a pretty good cause.

Once again, it was hot. Dang hot. I took this shot at 7:38 a.m., just before we left for the race:

Ugh. Another scorcher. Good thing I decided to take my GoLite HydroClutch with my CamelBak Podium Chill insulated water bottle full of ice-cold water!

Okay, I forgot the water bottle - but I did remember the bug spray!  :-/

Anyway...

I knew my sis would go a lot faster than me so I told her to just do her thang and not worry about waiting for me. We had the option of dressing up as superheroes, but decided not to because of the heat. Others chose to go ahead with costumes, which was goofy but kinds cool. I found myself wishing I'd at least worn a cape...
 
  

We did our usual before-race pics, even finding a superhero to pose with:

Poor guy....he was sweltering in that costume. The kids loved it though. Okay, yeah - we did, too.

As we were waiting, I took some random shots of the other participants. It seemed like a good turnout, so I hope CASA was able to make some good money. Anything for the kids, right?

I noticed my shadow and took a shot - sure wish my legs were really that long and skinny!

We walked over to the start line sign:

Me

Sis

The race was held at Edinburg Municipal Park, which is a neat new-ish community park. It's cool, but one thing I don't understand is why...WHY they would place cactus so close to a trail where people are walking their dogs, running, walking, and cycling:

Yeah. That's gonna leave a mark.

There were fun, supportive people along the route cheering us on:

Some nice scenery:

A few wild animals:

Even the trees were supportive!

I did a bit of running this time, more than I've done before. My time still wasn't great - 54 minutes - but it was just so dang hot. My left leg started cramping so I decided not to tempt fate. There were two water stations set up. I grabbed a drink at the first one, but they were out of cups by the time I got to the second one (about 1.5 miles in). Not good. I was REALLY wishing I hadn't forgotten my water bottle right about then.

I got to the finish and my sister, who got done way before me, was there to cheer me on. One of these days I'm REALLY going to have to finish ahead of her so I can get a shot of her at the finish line! I was pleasantly surprised to get a finisher's medal:

See how excited I am?

Yay! Done!

Way to go, Sis!

My bib & medal collection is growing:

Overall, it was a good race for a good cause. Next up is the Color Me Loco 5K on September 7th, which looks to be a lot of fun.