Smile and say "Mile"

Who would have known that a speech from almost three years ago with a two minute blurb about running a marathon would spawn so much good? Not only did I reach my marathon goal this year, not only am I addicted to running, weight lifting and eating healthy (sort of), but our children are affected by it as well. They were my reason for getting into shape, and now I have influenced them into the sport. Mason keeps begging me to run a Disney 5K. “Little steps” is what I preach: Half a mile first, then a mile, then two, then three. At it’s not just Mason. Morgan pleads as well. When her brother trained for this race, she was right behind him (well, WAY far behind him) run/walking it. She was so disappointed to learn she was not old enough yet to run the Smile Mile. “Next year, Mommy, next year” is what she keeps saying.

It was a packed event, but pleasant. Mason learned a very important thing about race day – “Be patient!” – you have to wait around before your race actually starts. While we waited, Morgan so desperately wanted to show the others her racing skills that she literately ran circles around us. In the time they called for the six year old boy division to the start line, Mason had met a new friend. I was curious how our son would react in his first half mile race by himself. Would he be very competitive? Would he get frustrated and stop running? I felt very good about his time, but did not know how he would race with other boys his age. The first runner crossed at 7:27. It then just dawned on us this was no half mile. We started laughing as we saw Mason and his new friend still talking and casually jogging all the way to the finish line. They ran it together – the whole way – talking! It was so sweet. He had a great time; and did not want to leave his new friend. Since they behaved well before the race, we promised our children a chance to ride the bounce house and other activities the event had set up.

I have to add that Morgan kept eyeing Mason’s medal. I know she wanted to run so bad to earn it. But believe it or not, she too earned a medal. They had a special “Go Healthy Challenge” where kids had to hula-hoop, jump rope and bounce in a ball hop race to achieve it. She was so proud of it. It was a great way to celebrate our Valentine’s Day morning! Mason AND Morgan, we are so proud of you!