We stepped off the plane into a wall of warmth...77° and sunny. ☀️🌴 After weeks of Minnesota’s negative temps, the blast of heat felt both glorious. I joked that I’d miss those subzero mornings… but let’s be honest, I didn’t miss them that much. 🥶🤣
Before race day, we explored a local wildlife sanctuary where we met a very old tortoise and watched lions and tigers being fed. It was one of those experiences that makes you pause and appreciate how wild and varied the world really is.
Then came the main event:
State #39 — Florida is officially checked off the list!
Palm Beaches Half Marathon ☀️🏃♂️
The race started hot and humid — 70° with what felt like 1,000% humidity. A far cry from the -10° waiting for us back home ❄️😅. It wasn’t my fastest race by any stretch, but honestly, that didn’t matter. The real highlight was meeting a new friend running her first-ever half marathon. We found each other at mile 1, stuck together the whole way, and crossed the finish line side by side. Whoop whoop 🙌.
Some races are about chasing a time.
This one was about the experience...the heat, the scenery, the camaraderie, and the joy of simply being out there.
After the race, we kept the adventure going with a trip into the Everglades, where the landscape felt like a world of its own — wide, wild, and buzzing with life. It was the perfect way to unwind after 13.1 hot miles.
Before heading to the airport, we made one last stop at Manatee Lagoon, hoping to catch a glimpse of those gentle giants. Even just being by the water, learning about them, and soaking in the warm Florida air made it a peaceful and memorable end to the trip.
As much as I loved the warm temps, it felt good to return to Minnesota’s cold, white winter ❄️☃️. And of course, Reba was thrilled to have us home...and even more thrilled to model the new medal, as always.
Another state done. Another story added to the journey. Onward to the next adventure.
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