My 11-year-old is already grasping the true spirit of running and I couldn’t be more proud
On her fourth race of 2016, Susan brought her kids along to the start line. When her 11-year-old daughter helped out another runner, she couldn't have been more proud.
Recently, on a crisp late-April morning, I lined up for the Mercedes-Benz 5K race in Oakville, Ont. For the first time, my kids raced too. It was perfect timing for them actually, as it’s that time of year where they’re gearing up for the school track and field competitions. We chalked this race up as part of their training.
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The race started and finished on the grounds of the stunning Appleby College (founded in 1911) and took us around stunning neighbourhoods and into Oakville’s downtown. While running, I took in sights of the 10K runners on the course and ran to the soundtrack of a steel drum band which was stationed along the course for encouragement. I made it to the finish and was surprised to see that I had set new personal best time. Slowly but surely, I’m getting a little bit faster with every race.
But this time, I got to be a spectator too. Our kids, Ella, 11, and David, 12, ran in the 1K Junior Jog. The distance is a good length to ease them into racing. David was happy that he beat his sister to the finish line and Ella was satisfied with the fact that she placed as the second girl. The timers made a fuss over her, following her to confirm her name and number. As her mom, I was most proud when she told me that she stopped to comfort another girl who fell in front of her during the race.
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“That’s our girl,” I thought, noticing that she’s already starting to understand the spirit of camaraderie that comes with running. It’s not about being first to finish the race, it’s about who you have supported along the way.
Though the three of us raced, I of course have to give credit to the unsung hero of the day. That was my husband. He stood faithfully in the crowd cheering us on and holding our coats at the finish line– while freezing in his.
I have now completed race four of 12. I’m a third of the way through my goal for 2016. This one was a success and already, I can’t wait for the next race in two weeks’ time – the Mother’s Day Chocolate Race in St. Catharines, Ont.
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