Another annual race that has always been completed with my son, Tyler. Since he was little, we always ran this one together. When he was a passenger in his stroller, he would always yell, "faster, momma!" just when he felt me start to slow down. If it was raining, my motherly instinct was to pull open the awning on the top of his stroller. He insisted on getting wet, too, if it was raining.
Once too heavy for me to push, we would complete the 1 mile together. One year, we walked it. The next we approached the starting line with the intention of walking. At the sound of the gun, Tyler took off, much to my surprise! At the age of 5, the excitement of road racing was alive within him. Throughout that race, he struggled with steady breathing and maintaining a pace. The whole way, I calmly informed him that it was okay to walk; that he didn't have to win. He kept looking over his shoulder, peering back at those right behind him. A small group of teenage girls, warming up for the 5k, smiled back at him acknowledging that he wanted to "win" so badly. As we inhaled the exhaust fumes from the Ferrario pickup truck that was leading the way, he was the first to cross the finish line. Although unofficial, he did it! The pain in his sides and sweat on his brow made him proud.
This year, we ran the 5k. Although his first time running the 5k course, he was ready. We woke up and ate a pre-race breakfast. Upon arriving to the race, we stretched and waited in the long lines for the porta-potties. It is funny how these things don't really cross your mind when doing them alone or with another runner; but when doing them with your child, making sure they are prepared for what lies ahead, they are so much more.
We were headed to the starting line and I reminded Tyler that I was going to run off ahead of him. He was certain he would be right behind me the whole way! :) At the start, we began to run off together and then I sprinted ahead in order to achieve my pace. I felt comfortable leavign him behind knowing that he would be okay and that I would cheer him across the finish.
I finished in 28:05, two minutes slower than I had hoped.
I anxiously awaited the finish of Tyler and as I saw him approaching the finish line, I couldn't help but scream his name.
Tyler finished in 33:16, 2nd place for his age group! Each race he runs, his time keeps improving. His form keeps getting better and he is becoming a stronger runner.