The Race.

In a little town in Ohio there is an annual 5k that takes place every year. There is an entire day devoted to the race, parade, festival and fireworks. Many know it as the Americana Festival. Our family looks forward to it every year!


I have never 'officially' run in a 5k before and I had never dreamed that I would be running with my six year old. Until, I randomly asked him if he would want to run in the race with me. Early this Spring we had started jogging together. I found that during our jogs/walks he would open up to me and talk not stop. I didn't have to ask him a million times how school was or what was on his mind. He literally would start to run and start to talk.  

Immediately when I asked if he would run with me he said, "Ya, do you think I can do it?" I said,"without a doubt, lets do this." As we walked up and saw the runners {over 1100 of them and only three 6 year olds} we both looked at each other. We said nothing, he smiled and honestly I became excited and a bit nervous. His little number was on, laces were tied and he was ready to run. 


The gun went off and we started this little journey hand in hand. To say that I was proud of this little boy would truly be an understatement. He ran and ran. When he would get tired he would grab my hand and we would walk {for about 4 steps} and he would start to run again. As we were running so many people were cheering for him and encouraging him. You could see he was tired but he didn't stop {the encouragement from random strangers was incredible}. I kept telling him I was just so proud of him and we were so close to finishing. We talked to pass the time. We counted flags along the parade route. We ran through a sprinkler in the middle of the race. 

What a joy. As we started to run into the high school where we would take one lap around the track to finish he said, "Mom, this is dad's old high school. This is perfect."  As we crossed the finish line hand in hand I couldn't help but pick him up and squeeze him as hard as I could. I was surprised at how emotional I felt. This was truly one of the best days of my life with this little man. God has so graciously allowed me to be this boys mom and I am so thankful. 


Have you ever run in a 5k? If not, I encourage you to try it. You wont be disappointed and if a first grader can do it... I promise you. YOU CAN TOO!! xoxoxox