My oldest daughter began expressing an interest in running a 5K race last spring. She witnessed my husband and I run in several races. I ran in two color run type fun 5K races last year along with a Jail Break race that just about broke me. My husband is an avid runner, with a full marathon under his belt and the goal of running in four half marathons during our year in Kansas.
This daughter of mine is determined and she was still expressing an interest in running over the summer after we moved and got settled into our new home.
After my husband got a little more settled into a routine with school, he began researching races that would be good for her to participate in. He found a 5K race here on the morning of Halloween and signed EA up to run in it with him.
They began training for this race over five weeks ago. The two of them went out the the race and eventually to the golf course on post to run three days a week.
EA slowly and steadily built up her running endurance over the last several weeks so that she was ready to run in the race last Saturday.
She woke up bright and early Saturday morning with excitement written all over her face. She was ready and determined.
They’re goal for the day was just to complete the race, taking a small walking break through the water station.
The other kids and I went out to the race with them to cheer on our favorite little runner.
After the race started we went back to the car to wait until we knew they would be close to coming in for their big finish.
We began cheering and taking photos as soon as I spotted them coming in to the finish line!
EA had the biggest smile on her face as she finished out her run alongside her daddy.
We weren’t sure if the race organizers would have medals for the finishers of this race, but we were really hoping that EA would receive one for her first race. We were thrilled when that metal was placed around EA’s neck!
I am so proud of my two runners!
I’m proud of my husband for taking this time to train our daughter and for encouraging her so well along the way.
And I am proud of EA for being disciplined and determined to make a dream of hers a reality.
This was her first 5K race, but I know it won’t be her last. She is already registered for another race in December and is planning another one for the spring.
I hope that we are able to encourage all of our children in their dreams and are able to come alongside of them to help them make their dreams a reality.
Pam in Missouri says
Congratulations EA! Have you heard about the Groundhog Day underground run? I’ve always wanted to that pne.
Monica Andrews says
I think my husband is planning to do that Groundhog Day underground run. It sounds like fun!!