Running: It a Family Affair

The month of May was incredible, Tanya and I where home in Bermuda for a fun filled time with family, friends, and of course running. Take a look at that picture above, that crystal blue water and pink beach's are what you wake up to everyday in Bermuda. Doesn't it make you want to jump in? May is a fun filled month with walking and running events just about every weekend which leads up to one of the islands biggest Holidays/Event "The Bermuda Days Half Marathon".

The first event we participated in was the Catlin End-to-End walk. The event starts in the Historic town of St. George's and travels by road and railway trails to the Royal Dockyard which is at the other end of the Island. It is approximately 24 miles, just under a marathon. For those individuals who my not be able to complete the entire island, the event has an option of middle-to-end were participants will begin at the half way point in the City of Hamilton. Tanya and I of course wanted to run. When we found out there was going to be a number of others also running... Well the rest is history. It was a big family affair Tanya's sister's Sherry, Zina, and Paula did the middle to end walk. So did Brother-in-laws Bails and Danny, Uncle Kingsley, cousins Llyod, Wanda, and Chelito. Riding the course was niece Mahtorie, cousin Tracy, Bird and friend Rochelle.
Next Tanya and I ran in the "Sir Stanley Burgess 5K" ( pictured above). Mr. Burgess is a Bermuda running Legend, winning the Bermuda Days race and incredible 10x's in his 60 year running career. (hit that link above to read about him). The 5K race had a very competitive crowd, with many of the Marathon Day front runners participating. 5K's are not the distance we usually participate in, so I knew it was going to be fast and heart pumping. The morning was warm and a little humid but Tanya and I both had good runs. Tanya ran a 23:02 and I ran a 23:14. I believe that was a PR for me at that distance. Yes it was heart pumping.

May 24th Bermuda Day (celebrated on the 25th this year) came and what a big event for the island. This was a special year commemorating 400 years since Bermuda was discovered and the 100th year of running the Bermuda Days Run. Record numbers signed up for the run, no body wanted to miss the 100th year, and also record numbers camped along the course to cheer the runners on. As I have said before, I have run many races over the years some very big and some very small, but none have matched the crowd participation and love that the people of Bermuda give on that day. From start to finish people are lining the course yelling and screaming helping and encouraging you. When the race is over the day has just really begun, then comes the parade of parades. Along the final miles of the running course the parade follows and people picnic along the route until sundown.

The Race starts in Somerset and travels East along middle road to Hamilton, and again it was a family affair. I didn't have pictures of everyone but below are some.

Uncle Kingsley at 72 years young, making it look easy.

Cousin Sabrina keeping as cool as possible with her sponge in hand. That's what you have to do on those hots days.

Sister Sherry looking pretty in pink, and representing the Baily crew, BIG UPS! YEA!!!

Hey Rochie Girl, looking good and cruising to another Bermuda Day finish.

That's my hero, Tanya. Always making it look easy. I love the skirt!

That's me, sweating like a hog. Can somebody say HUMIDITY!!

The Young Buck Coolie, he is running so cool I don't even think he is sweating.

Not pictured from the family was Patrice and Tracy who also braved the sun and hot and humid temperatures to run. I know they would all agree what a wonderful day we had running and experienceing the best of what Bermuda has to offer. Much love to everyone, and keep those feet moving.