Runners just do it - they run for the finish line
even if someone else has reached it first.
~Author Unknow
Today was a local 5k/10k and kids run to raise funds for local high school athletics. It was held at a lake and the course was partially on asphalt and partially on trail. I would guess there weren't more than 200-300 people there? I am terrible with numbers. Any how, I charged my Garmin last night and suddenly decided that I was going to go all out and shoot for a PR. This morning I got picked up by my SIL who was going to run with me and headed to town for the run.
We got there, registered, started strong and the SIL was not feeling it. I was totally feeling the vibe on the course. Lots of kids, lots of fun and energetic people and realized the vibe was not from just running, it was being there. I saw parents and children, classes running with their teachers, siblings, friends etc. So when the SIL couldn't run, I naturally teased her about it. I pointed out the small children who were passing us, the folks that looked less able passing us and the people in costumes passing us. It was pretty fun. We poked fun at each other, skipped, walked and more importantly laughed. She needed the break and I needed another race that was just fun. I needed to run with company.
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| Ignore the terribly placed food stain on my long sleeve. |
Running is so social for me and I was glad that we had fun. Having fun on that course made me want to run another 5k, not a distance of which I am a big fan. After the grown up run, there was a kid run and my baby who just turned 2 yesterday ran it. It was a mile long so I pushed her in the stroller .9 and let her run the .1. She loved it.
My son ran his first 1 mile run. He hasn't done anything more than a half mile and is only 4 so I was not sure how he would do. He did absolutely fantastically. He ran the whole way, save for 5 seconds of walking after being distracted by a squirrel. LOL
Also joining us last minute for the run were my two nephews who are 10 and 8. The 8 year old came in third, running with his hands in his pockets. He is a little shy so I don't think he wanted to "go all out" and the hands in his pockets was because he was wearing jean shorts and they were falling down. It was too cute. He is such a sweet boy and I was so blown away to learn of his natural talent for running. I plan to scoop him up and take him with me anytime there is a kids run so I can foster his natural ability. Total bonding activity for us.
Obviously such a wonderful morning deserved one of my favorite lunches. Salami, Cheese, Crackers, Grapes, Boiled Eggs and for an added treat, mini Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta with basil olive oil.
The Big Picture: It is so not about who crosses the finish line first, or me running my bestest, fastest race. Some times it is just about being there. Toeing the line, traipsing through the course with a smile and crossing the finish line holding hands in the air with a friend pretending we just won.
Why I Kick A$$: Because I happen to party and indulge before races, but always show up. Apparently my daughter has learned this same trait. She partied last night and despite an ice cream cake hangover from last nights 2nd birthday celebration, my bug ran in her first kids race.
Thankful Three
- For an evening with my husband tonight
- For children who embrace outdoor activity
- For fun runs with a local fundraising agenda
2 comments:
Running is all about the fun for me also! Sounds like the whole family had a great day. Very cool!
Glad you had a fun race, and congrats to your son on his first mile race!
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