Turtles Can Run

Dear Mom,

I am so excited about the 5K.  I like to run with you. You’re kind of like my “running Cheerleader”.  It’s so fun to talk to you while I run.  It’s going to be so fun.

That is an excerpt for a little note that my daughter gave me last night.  As you can see she was very excited.  When I went to wake her up at 6:30 AM she was already awake and dressed for the race.  I wanted to make it a special day for her so we bought matching outfits, she loved going shopping and couldn’t wait to dress alike.

When we  arrived at the Williamson County park for the Purple Stride 5K , there was a light drizzle which continued for about until about 10 minutes after the start of the race.  Other than the rain the weather was nice and cool, great for a race.  My dear daughter was so excited.  She wanted to warm up and could not wait for the race to start.  Finally we lined up and set out.  She started out at about a 9 min/mile pace.  and slowed down a bit.  By the end of the first mile she started feeling the run, but she maintained a close to 10 min/mile pace the whole time.  We walked to and through all three water stops at every mile.  I had to talk her out of holding her breath a couple of times and make her breath out, that was really the only problem she had during the race.  She was a little tired during  the last mile, I motivated her with all the post race snacks, we started saying what we were going to get.  She kept saying banana, banana, banana.  I guess that was her mantra, hey whatever works.  We reached mile 3 and when she saw the finish line she sprinted.  She did great and finished in 31:03.

She was so proud of herself and I am so proud of her too.  She ran hard and wants to do another, but “just not next weekend” is what she told me.  I told her I understand that I don’t usually like doing races two weekends in a row either.  She wore her medal the rest of the day and kept saying things like “that was fun” and “we did great today”.   Today was fun and exciting for both of us, I am so glad I can share running with my daughter.

A couple of notes about the actual race.  This was the races inaugural year so it was very small  only about 400 people.  All money  from the race will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to raise awareness, support patients and create hope for everyone affected by Pancreatic Cancer.  The course was very easy, great for a first timer or to try for a PR.  Part of  the race  was on the park road and part of the crushed granite trail.  I would definitely do it again next year, very convenient location for us, only about 5 minutes away from home.

Here are some pictures:

Matching outfits

Warming up

And she's off.

Here we come, a little more than half way done. Still smiling.

Crossing the finish line.

Enjoying a well deserved snack.

Filed under: Races