Monday, November 29, 2010

Gilbert Days Fun Run

A few weeks ago I saw an advertisement for the Gilbert Days Fun Run and thought, "I don't want to run this." Then I saw they had a one mile race and thought, "I'm making my kids do this." Or maybe it was more like, "What a great opportunity to teach my kids about fitness and working towards a goal. They've seen me run a lot of races, maybe they would find it fun to run in one themselves."

#1 and #2 were both excited when I told them about the race. I warned them that after I paid the registration money there was no turning back, they had to commit to training and then trying their best in the race. They agreed.

The intensive training period lasted three weeks. A few times a week we ran distances on the canal trail behind our house. We practiced jogging rather than trying to sprint the entire way. We talked about how we weren't running to win, just running to do our best.

I was nervous that our training would become something mean mom was making them do, but for the most part they were eager to do "race practice."

We picked up their race packets a few days before the race. They tried on their t-shirts and were impressed with their real racing bib numbers.

It wasn't until we were driving to the park where the race was held that #1 noticed I wasn't wearing running clothes. "Aren't you running with us mom?" Nope, they didn't need me. They were ready.

Here are the pictures from the race:


Heading over to the starting line



Lined up and ready to run. Some people tie their shoes when they are nervous, others pick their noses.


That's #2 right in the middle of the picture. This is about the 1/4 mile mark. Final time: 10:20


Go #2! She's nearing the finish line. Final time: 11:05



I was so proud of these kids! But more importantly they were proud of themselves. I think they felt like rockstars at the after-race party. People were handing them Jamba Juices and Chic Fil A, and goodie bags full of fun stuff.

Are you wondering why I didn't run?



Not pregnant if that's what you're thinking.



I was just trying to store all my fat for Thanksgiving the next week.

2 comments:

Jami said...

Oh my goodness - I love the last picture. Pretty sure that is how most runners feel at the end of a race. I'm impressed! Way to go kiddos!!

Holly said...

What a great accomplishment, kudos to them for seeing it through!