Today, I spectated while my son, YaYa raced in a local 2 mile race. It’s been a couple of years since his last experience and there was next to no training for this event. Still, I knew that he would be fine.
He just needed a few tips:
- Do NOT wear the race shirt until you’ve finished the race.
- Start out easy and pick up the pace later
- Finish strong
- Have FUN!
He got his SWAG, pinned on his race bib, and milled about until it was time to start. I could see him sizing up the other runners.
I knew that he wanted another taste of success. Unfortunately for him, he’s since moved up an age group and is now running with the big guys. Against my advice, he lined up ON the front line.
In a flash, they were off. I hoped for the best and waited for him to return.
He finished strong and improved on his last time by over a minute. Finishing 16:16 earned him 11th place in his new division. I am very proud of him. I would be proud no matter how well he did but I’m glad that he did well.
Next week, it will be my turn to toe the line. I think I’ll start just a little bit farther back.
We’re proud of him too. It takes a lot to toe the line ahead of the others and finish strong when you’re again the “little guy” in an age group. Remind him that in about 30 years, he’ll have a huge advantage being the younger runner in an AG.
that T-shirt one divides the newbies from the well trained…seriously, you know the runners from the just showed uppers.! Never wear your race shirt on the run!
Yaya is so awesome! can’t wait to see how he does in his next race, and his mama too
That’s awesome! Congrats YaYa!!
Everyone showed have the courage to stand in the front row once in a while so long as you don’t get hurt in the process…
Wonderful! Congratulations YaYa!