5k and Tuff Kids Race

"It doesn't matter that I didn't win, I smiled the whole time." The words spoken by my wise Nathaniel Quin on his very first race day, spoken directly after the race.  He did his best and he was great! He says, "My favorite part is having fun and getting my new medal."  NQ and I have been practicing for our race for about a month, I guess.  I run and push Ashton in the stroller, and Nathan rides his bike, and then he runs a few intervals - for practice.  

Loaded up and headed to the race!

My time wasn't stellar, but I'm okay with that.  I have a miserable cold and sinus pressure.  I wasn't sure yesterday if I'd even be able to make it at all.  And my time was better than what I'd decided would be marked as a 'pass' (if were in a pass/fail situation - though anyone who finishes should be counted as a 'pass.') My race started wet, cold and raining at 8:50 in the morning and was completed before 9:30 - as I was on the road by then to the Harris house to get the boys ready for their race at noon! (You may notice there are no pictures of me racing - I went totally solo - and kind of relished that oneness.) I'm glad I did it.  It wasn't all fun during the running parts, but it was fun when it was done!  Stolen idea from a recent article: I didn't enjoy running, but I enjoyed having run. The actual line was from an author who declared that they didn't enjoy writing, but enjoyed haven written. I have to agree with this idea.

Standing in the rain and cold - didn't bother these boys!

Waiting for the 200 meter to line up for start

Nathan and friends Ben and Kade completed the "Tuff Kids" 200 meter race with enthusiastic ease!  They all came through with smiles, finisher medals, tasty treats (Frozen yogurt, fruit snacks, chocolate milk, cookies, oranges, bananas, rolls, Gatorade, and water) and some awesome confidence.  They gave hugs and told each other they loved each other and had all sorts of cool self worth-y words of affirmation to share. 

 I loved watching my little man zoom with all his might!  I loved that he came in in the top five. (official standing not yet posted **See NOTE at Bottom**) And I love that he was smiling.  He loved it and I love that he loved it.  I love that he and Ben and Kade all appreciated each other for a job well done!

Ashton and Carter were SO good to stay in the double stroller with snacks and sippy cups during the commotion! Holly and I both got a little choked with emotion when those boys came zooming through! I was on one side and she was on the other. I had the boys at the starting line, and she had the babies at the end.  I ran down along with the racers and yelled out my encouragement as they went!  I'm so grateful that Holly snapped some good pictures of those kids running!



NQ Far Right in Brown



NQ Crossing the finish - in brown

 

What a great lesson for everyone today!  You CAN do it!  And you can have fun, no matter when you might enjoy it.


**UPDATE**
NQ came in 3rd Overall! He was the first Male finisher, and came in behind a 10 and 9 year old. The 4th place boy was right on his heels and was 4. WAY TO GO MY LITTLE MAN!! Momma is SO proud! (26 participants in the race - awesome work guys!)