My Little Racers

At the last minute on Thursday, I decided to sign the boys and myself up for the Race The Dream run which benefits Break the Barriers organization. I say last minute, because I texted Eric on Thursday saying, "Hey, wanna get up early on Saturday to run?" Evan and I picked up our packets that afternoon.

I wasn't ready to run two miles, but I figured I'd run for at least 20 minutes, and then walk/run to the finish as needed.

The boys were SUPER excited, especially Hudson because it was his first race.


This is just before the race started on a dirt trail at Woodward Park. Evan ran the quarter mile, and Hudson ran 1/8 of a mile.

Evan's race was first. Man oh man! The kid was amazing! He shot off the start line, took an early lead, and maintained it the whole way! When he was about 20 feet from the finishing chute, he threw up his arms in a victory sign. It was too funny. Humble, the kid is not. Needless to say, he earned first place for the 6-year-old boys.


Evan showing off his first place trophy.

Hudson had a great race as well. He had to race against 4-year-olds because they don't have a 3-year-old category. He did fantastic! He didn't seem scared or nervous. He just ran as fast as little legs would go! It was so fun to watch.

Once Hudson was heading back to the finish line, I jumped in behind him to cheer him on and coax him to keep up the good work. He got a sticker and a blue ribbon! His Daddy also bought him a pack of Starburst, so that kept him pretty happy!

After their races were over, I dashed to the start line of my race with about 30 seconds to spare. Just before the gun went off, Elaine Vela (the music teacher at my school) called me to see where I was. We found each other and ran the whole two miles together. It was great!

She helped me maintain a decent pace of about 12 minute miles, and we were able to talk and chatter (along with huffing and puffing on my part). I ran my goal of 20 minutes and figured I could finish without stopping, and I did! I was pretty proud of myself. I'm not winning any speed times, but I got out there and ran two miles.

Doing these races is so far out of my comfort zone. I still sort of don't believe that it is something I like to do!

I finished the race, and Elaine took off to finish six miles. Running with someone is fun!

It was a pretty great morning.