As the second in our series Pacing Mom, my mom ran Under the Oaks 10K on Jekyll Island, GA. I’ve coached her since December, and she’s taken 5 min, 21 seconds off her 5K time and has now raced her first 10K.

Under the Oaks 10K 2017

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: Race Start. Photo by Tim of http://truespeedphoto.com/

Race Start by Tim of TrueSpeedPhoto.com

Under the Oaks Run is a smaller race with half marathon, 10K, and 5K options. Saint Simons Christian School offers the race as their primary annual fundraiser. It’s chip-timed, USATF certified, and has free photography!

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: Mom and I getting started

Twins Getting Started – Photograph by Dad

Hurricane Matthew cancelled last year’s race. This year the race followed shortly after Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irma. As such, the mosquito population had exploded, signs were tipsy, and half-broken limbs hung on parts of the trail. Still, I was grateful they were able to go ahead with the race.

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: On the bike trail with mom

Bike Trail – Photo by Dad

The 10K started on the road, cut through a graveled trail, topped a bike trail, then onto the sidewalk in front of the beach-front hotels.

Beach Break

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: Jekyll Island Beach

Jekyll Island Beach – photo by me

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: Jekyll Island Beach

Jekyll Island Beach – photo by me

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: Jekyll Island Beach

Jekyll Island Beach – photo by me

Then back on the roads, more cut-throughs, and bike trails.

The Finish

The race was muggy, buggy, and more muggy. When we finished the heat index was clocking in at 90F – not ideal race conditions. Nevertheless, Mom pushed through all the not-fun things about racing – heat, humidity, exhaustion, and GI distress.

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: Rounding the bend to the finish. Photo by Tim of http://truespeedphoto.com/

Rounding the Bend by Tim of TrueSpeedPhoto.com

Under the Oaks 10K 2017: Mom and I finishing at Under the Oaks 10K. Photo by Tim of http://truespeedphoto.com/

Finishing by Tim of TrueSpeedPhoto.com

Mom did a fantastic job pulling through in a hard 10K. The conditions were tough, but she was tougher.

Onward and upward!

Thank you to my dad for being photographer, driver, and support crew. Thanks to Tim of TrueSpeedPhoto for taking some excellent photos and giving me permission to share them here with you. Thanks to my mom for believing in me as a coach and letting me talk about her on the WWW.