Jun 30, 2010

The Alternative

Well, giving up on my marathon last weekend did give me one thing, I got to run my son's first 10k with him. In the end, I see that as a far bigger event than my marathons. I mean, I have the rest of my life to do those things. He only has one "first" 10k. Also I got to share my daughter's first 5k, seeing her run out as we were running in from our race and then cheering her on at the finish.

My son wanted to beat me and I told him I'd let him sprint ahead of me at the end if he didn't walk at all. We went out slow, around 9:40's per mile but I had to keep telling him to slow down even more. Good thing I did too. All the volunteers and spectators were great and really cheering him on. It made the day really special for him. Around miles 3-4 he really wanted to walk. I slowed it down a bit for him but kept him going. In the end I let him sprint ahead and beat me by 10 seconds. He finished in 1:02:02. Probably my slowest but most rewarding 10k ever. Did I mention that he is 10 years old? If there was an under 14 category he would have won but as it was he had to compete against boys in the under 19 category so he didn't really have a chance.

My daughter was suppose to run with my wife in the 5k but right away she decided that was too slow and went off on her own. I was able to see them about a half mile into their race when we were on our way back. She looked so good and was smiling ear to ear. I was really nervous/interested in how it would go for her. With her personality it could have been really bad or really good. Fortunately it was really good. She, like her brother, ended up running the entire way. She beat my wife by about a minute. She is only 7 years old. Did I mention how proud I am????

As for me, a little running here and there. Throwing in some swimming when I can but still need to get on the bike. Wanted to see if I had absolutely anything so I did a fast little 3 miles the other day. One warm up and a couple at 7:00-7:10. Not bad but the HR was too high. Oh well, still working my way back.

6/26 6.2 miles at 10:01
6/29 3.31 at 7:41

9 comments:

Jill said...

That's soooo awesome you ran with your son! Yes, there is only ONE first 10K and you, and him, will remember that forever! I use to run with my boys a lot at that age....now it's kinda fun for us to all do our own thing as they are almost 15 now, and then we all meet at the end. I definitely miss those days, though, where I got to run with them and help encourage them along the way. Congrats to your kiddos, so very cool!!

Unknown said...

You should be proud, that is so great! The family is all involved now. I love it!

Karen said...

How special! I agree, MUCH better than any marathon. Good job AZ kids :)

TokyoRacer said...

7 years old and ran all the way! Sounds like the ace of the family. Great job by both kids, though.

Jennifer said...

Your kid ran his 10K faster than I ran my first one (and dang near close to what I can do right now). I don't have kids and can only imagine how rewarding it must be to see them excel at something that will benefit their lives forever! Kudos to you!

San said...

Sounds like the 4 of you had a wonderful time and it was right to give up the marathon for this. This is a memory you and your son will share for years to come.

And 1:02 hrs for 10 k is awesome.

Have a great weekend.

Lindsay said...

congrats to both kids! that is awesome of them and of course you. it's hard to hold back the competitive juices but in this case - definitely worth it.

Glenn Jones said...

That is just soooooo awesome! Great that you put life in perspective....

Psyche said...

Hey, AZ! Just caught up with your blog. The streak might be dead, but AZ's inspiration is making a phenomenal comeback! Kudo's to you for finding it.
P.S. Your kids are simpley awesome, and you are clearly a great parent:)

Rock on, AZ, rock on!