It all started because I wanted to start a healthy, fun tradition with the kids. That was five years ago. I remember wondering, what could make the kids want to do a race with me?
Running has always been my thing. I know it isn’t everyone’s thing. It certainly isn’t all of my children’s thing. But we could walk too. We could do a 5k. And we could make it fun.
The first 5k was the Rad Run. It is like the Color Run where they throw colors on you. The kiddos’ ages at the time were 5, 6, 8, and 10. I had the five-year old on my back for a good part of that race!
The next year was the Insane Inflatable race. I ran that one with my friend and the kids did the Kid Course. So they ran; but not nearly a 5k that year!
Then there was the actual Color Run. Last year was the Super Hero Run. And honestly, I think this year’s Great Pumpkin Run has been my favorite!
When we agreed on a fall 5k, it seemed like a good idea. So far, we’d only done spring or summer races. The cooler weather would be great! Of course, when I registered us back in June, I wasn’t even thinking about the start of football season.
Last night we were out later, with an away football game. I hit snooze a few times this morning, wishing I could sleep in!! I looked at the temperature and saw it was only 40 degrees. I get cold pretty easy. This whole thing was sounding less and less appealing!
Getting the kids out of bed and ready to go felt like herding wild cats . . wild, exhausted, cranky cats. We got out the door 20 minutes late with the promise of a McDonald’s breakfast and then donuts after the race.
Miraculously, things improved with breakfast. By the time we drove to the race, the weather was warming up. We were taking pictures by the pumpkins and heard the horn for the start of our heat of the race. We ran to join the other racers and had to run down a big hill. One of my children fell and rolled and laughed. So we all laughed! We made it just in time to race with out heat. We were all laughing and smiling 🙂
The sunshine was wonderful. There was a slight breeze. The course was thru orchards and pumpkin patches. There was even less whining from my kiddos than the other 5ks! I know the kids are getting older and that helps. But I certainly expected lots of whining with the less sleep last night and the teeth-pulling morning. The large amount of whining never came though 🙂 Just chatter and enjoying the morning!
Tonight I am thankful for a fantastic 5k this morning! We were missing my injured girl. She was bummed she couldn’t come. She even asked if I could bring a wagon, then she could walk for a while. And when she couldn’t walk anymore, maybe I could pull her. I had to veto that idea! Maybe we’ll do this one again next year so she’ll be able to enjoy the race with us!
P.S. We each got a pumpkin for participating. This is the “after” photo from my daughter’s pumpkin! She had some fun with it 🙂 I think my daughter was maybe also hinting that we need more candy in the house. The pumpkin is eating candy with a mint and a laffy taffy nearby!
Bug's Bright Side 