Girls (and a mom) on the Run

Carli joined a club at school called "Girls on the Run". It is a running club geared to young girls from 3rd-5th grade. They promote self confidence and positive attiitudes. At the end of the semester they have the girls participate in a 5K. They encourage any moms, aunts, big sisters, etc. to run with them and be there for support. This past Saturday was the big race! I told Carli when she first started that I would run the 5K with her, but secretly I didn't really want too! As I've mentioned before, Carli LIKES to run and is pretty fast for an 8 yr old so as the race got closer, I got more and more nervous! PLUS, I'm not a runner (I would rather mountain bike!) About 3 weeks prior to the race, I figured I had better start training so I could keep up with her :)

I asked Carli if she was going to "stay" with me when we were running and her response was, "Well....I kinda wanna WIN Mom!" I just laughed and told her I would try to keep up with her, but to just do her best (with OR without me!) We got to the race and it was total chaos! There were over 3000 runners! The race started and Carli just took off like a flash! I kept my slow and steady pace and was determined to run the whole thing without walking. Around mile 2 I caught Carli (who was very tired!). We kept each other motivated and long story short....Finished in the top 30! Our time was 30 min 46 seconds!!!! She did absolutely amazing! We found out later, she finished first from her school too! I'm feeling inspired too...I just might keep up running!

Rimrock Elementary Runners

Before the race:After the race:

Overall, it was a great experience and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to run with my girl! We got a bunch of free goodies from the various sponsors (including the "crazy hair" stuff donated by GOODY for all the runners) It's sure fun being the mom of girls!! :)