My Daughter's First Race - On Trails!

This past Saturday, my 6 year old daughter, Allyson, ran her first race! This is a free 1-mile kids race, but they got really nice medals for completing the race! I was so proud of her. I had invited her whole girl scout troop, but only one other girl could make it. The main events were a half marathon and a 10K trail race, put on by the Quicksilver Running Club. Although I am an official member of the club, I am fairly inactive with most of their activities (which I hope to change as my kids get a little older).


Having a fellow girl scout and friend to run with helps! They get to hang out before and after the race. And it probably takes off some of the pressure from having a crazy running dad! There were 28 kids running in the race and they all took off at a sprint at the start. Kids always do this! Me and the other scout's mom followed the kids for moral support. It's an out-and-back course. At the end of half a mile, the kids get a bracelet to prove they made it to the turn-around point. Ally started to take more walking breaks in the second half. When she did run, she ran fast! But the hills would take out her steam pretty quickly. This was not an easy trail!



She finished the race with one last sprint. And looked completely wiped out! I was so proud of her! She was close to last place, ahead of a couple three year-old kids, but placement did not matter.

 
I don't have any big expectations of my daughters. But I do hope they find some joy in running someday. Most importantly, I hope they find their own calling - something that they find a passion for. It has to inspire them to dream big dreams. Even if they don't reach the pinnacle of their heart's desire, the simple act of dreaming will enrich every day of their lives.