A Special One Mile Run

Today was a great day in our running journey... Jenny and I were able to run with our children (minus JJ... he's still a little to small :o). Kendal, Madison, and Erick have been training the past few weeks for the Disney 5k taking place in September. The opportunity to take the kids to their first "race" presented itself... The kids were very excited and ready for their first challenge. 5am came very quickly this morning for 3 little runners but they ate their breakfast, dressed in their running gear, and headed out the door. 

As 8:05 drew closer the kids grew more excited and ready to start their run, we could hardly control their energy! Finally, the horn sounded and we were off holding hands and smiling as we crossed the starting line. The pride in my daughters at that moment was at an all time high. As we ran we smiled and laughed and really just enjoyed the time with children. At about .50 miles Maddy began saying her leg was hurting, Kendal, Erick, and Jenny went ahead while Maddy and I tried to work the kinks out. We continued running with a few more "moments" only a six year old running her first one mile race could have we crossed the finish line!! The kids received their very first medals.... a very very proud moment for all of us! 

Today... I learned that while running is somewhat of a retreat; a time to clear my mind and very much a personal experience at times it is also about the connections we create.  I know that my love of running and my daughters desire to run with me will only make our connections stronger and my journey that much more meaningful. 

~Kristy