Runner Girl

Jenna has developed a love for running in the last year or so.  It all started when she and I would go for run-walks to begin conditioning for soccer season.  We'd walk a block, run a block, walk a block, etc. in our neighborhood.  It was good for us - physically and emotionally.  And then it got to be where she wanted to do nothing but run.  No more walking every other block!  Finally, I told her to just go ahead without me.  We're not supposed to hold our children back.  Right?

Kevin and I do the occasional 5K run and when permissable, we sign Jenna, and sometimes the boys too, up for the kids' fun runs that typically go before the actual race.  She's been griping about how those fun runs are anything but fun and she wants to run a "real race."

Our local town had a 4-miler recently and there were two kids' fun runs that followed the early morning full-length race.  There was a really short one for the much younger kids and then a 1-mile run for the older kids. 

Jenna ran the 1-mile race and was the first girl across the finish line!  I was so proud of her.  We talked to her about stretching and pacing herself and not pushing too hard right off the starting line.

But, of course, she didn't listen to us and about fainted after she crossed the finish line.  I admire her determination and spunk, but honestly, when I child who loves to run claims they're never running another race again, you know they are hurting!

A drink of water and a medal around her neck, Jenna was finally able to muster a smile.



Way To Go!