Great Pumkin Chase 2012

Running is my sport/activity of choice.  I love to run!  I love how it makes me feel (emotionally & physically).  It makes me feel empowered and it keeps me sane.  Daddy and I have the dream of having a "fit" family that gets out and is active-- no matter where we are.

Just because I love running doesn't mean that you have to love it.  Although I think it would be a ton of fun to have you as my running partner.  I will never MAKE you do it unless you want to.

At 2 years old though, you don't really have a preference.  And so, I signed myself, Daddy and you up for a run just before Halloween.

Daddy and I ran the Great Pumpkin Chase 5k in costume.  Then we ran a 1 mile fun run with you and Mimi.  It was your first race!  You were probably the youngest competitor there and you had a tough time but you were a champ, no less.  You got a metal when you crossed the finish line!

We dressed up as some of your favorite characters: Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby.

 

While Daddy and I ran the 5k, Mimi and Papa took care of you.  The finish line was near a park and so you got to play while waiting for us.  You LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the park so even after Daddy and I finished our race you didn't want to leave the play equipment.  We had to get to the start line for the fun run though.  We pulled you (kicking & sceaming) to the start line and you threw a big tantrum.  You did the "limp noodle" and cried while we waited for the race to start.  It couldn't start soon enough and I got impatient (I think I threw my own tantrum).  As soon as the horn blew you saw the other kids take off and you got right up and began to run.  You giggled and ran as fast as you could then KEFLUMP, you fell down.  Being the strong, determined girl that you are, you got right up and began to run again.  Ten strides later, KERFLUMP.  You fell again!  We hadn't even gotten half the race done.  You got up again though, grabbed Mimi's hand (certainly not mommy's) and kept on going.  Many kids passed you-- until you were at the back of the pack-- but you ran all the way to the end.  I was so proud of you!

You did great!

You may have come in last but you finished, and that's what's important.  It was your first race afterall!  We'll have to do it again soon.

I love you!

Mom