Sunday, May 4, 2014

They're My Kids And I'll Brag If I Want To

Oh. My. Goodness.  I never realized before that there are so many fast kids in my neighborhood.  Holy moly.  I also never realized that some kids, like some adults, will push themselves so hard that they'll actually puke at the finish line.  But let's skip over that part of the day....

This morning, my family and I headed to the local elementary school for their annual 5K and 1 mile run.  I was signed up for the 5K, my kids were signed up for the 1 mile, and my husband had the task of photographing the day.  The weather was gorgeous and everyone was excited.

20 minutes before the race, ready and rarin' to go! 

A few minutes before the 1 mile race was set to start, I said good-bye and good luck and headed to my volunteer spot in the woods.  I heard the "Ready, set, GO!" and peered through the trees to see the kids coming down the road.  They took the turn into the woods and I started clapping and cheering and "Stay on the path, please!"  Then I saw my munchkins and gave high fives and hugs and they were off again.  About  minute a later the bike volunteer rode by and said "That's it, thanks!" and I got to take my flag and head back to the finish line.  Shortest volunteer stint EVER! 

I found my husband and we watched as the kids came in.  First finisher crossed the line in 6:32.  Darn impressive for an elementary school kid!  (No racers over 5th grade allowed in the 1 mile run) Then more kids came in, and we kept cheering....  As the clock ticked forward, I started to worry a little.  I knew my kids would be on the slower side, since they've never run before, but since most of the course was through a wooded area with lots of ups and downs, I began to wonder if  maybe my daughter would fall.  I don't know why I wasn't worried about my son, maybe because he's older an has longer legs? I don't know.  Anyway, I started to wonder what if.... So I walked a bit down the road to see if I could spot them coming out of the woods.  When I saw them I ran back to my husband and told him to get the camera ready.  

When they came towards the finish line, I started cheering like an idiot a happy mom.  My son got a little ahead of his sister and turned around and went back for her, encouraging her, and they both sped up.  (I swear to you, my heart will break into a million pieces the day that they are no longer best friends.) 

Nearing the finish line! 

They ended up finishing the race in 14:09, together, happy as can be.  So proud of themselves and of each other.  I have a feeling this race will be a family tradition for years to come! 

Next post, I'll tell you about the 5K.  Spoiler alert - there was karaoke involved. 

Have you ever watched a Kids Fun Run?  If you haven't, you should! =) 


12 comments:

  1. Love seeing kids following in the footsteps of their parents! Awesome!

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  2. Brag away mama! I ran with my son for his first fun run and it was awesome! I actually just posted it on Miles to Blog :) It's an awesome feeling!!!

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    1. Just read it! Sounds like he did a great job!! =)

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  3. How awesome that your son went back and finished the race with his sister. That is so great. Congrats to everyone.

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    1. Thanks! I was floored - I thought maybe he'd want to run with his friends, but he stuck with her the whole way. Totally adorable. =)

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  4. OMG - I love that they ran together!! So sweet of your son to wait for his sister so they could finish together!!! You should be super proud!

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    1. I am proud! They tried so hard and are so sweet together. =)

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  5. Aww, what sweeties! I love hearing that and seeing the pic of them. Cuties! And woo hoo for the short volunteer gig! Ha!

    Totally curious about the karaoke ;)

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    1. Trying to write up my 5K report, but really, the most interesting thing about it was the karaoke so I'm having a hard time. LOL

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  6. oh my goodness, i just teared up! i love that he went back to get her. that's the sweetest thing ever. also. i love that picture. her little face is precious!

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    1. They are best friends, it's so adorable! We are so lucky. Hopefully they won't hate each other in a few years!

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