The Race

Holly and Julia have run with me and with Sean on occasion. The longest I think they've gone at once is a mile. They do a good amount of running at soccer practices - especially Holly - though. And since their cousins were running the 5K this weekend, they were more than eager to run, too.

Holly ran with Olivia and Uncle David. Julia ran with Noah. Mary Ann and I ran some together and some apart. Alan could have done it with us, but at the last minute he was happier to play on the pirate ship playground with Granna than do the run/walk.

The 5K was billed as a 'Walk'. There was also an 8K billed as a 'Run'. So the volunteers along the course steered people by saying 'Runners this way - Walkers this way'. It was confusing at first for someone running but doing the 5K. But the run was pretty. Beautiful houses. Nice marshland scenery. Some gravel path, some sidewalk, some road. There were lots of walkers, strollers, small children. And lots of serious looking runners. Prizes were given for the 8K top finishers.

The governor was there.

One of his sons won a prize.

After the running there was a chicken dinner (hotdog plates for the kids), and roasted oysters. Bananas. Oranges. Granola bars. Gatorade. Water.

The whole experience was fun. It was amazing to me to see so many people of all different shapes and ages running and walking. The 8K runners (which works out to about 5 miles) ranged from young athletic types to old wrinkly ladies, apple shaped old men, and children under 10. Lots of times there were grandpa types running/walking the 8K with a grandchild. Everyone seemed to be enjoying whatever they were doing. As we passed through the neighborhood there were quite a few people sitting on their front porches - sipping wine. Cheering.

The girls did well. Holly ran and did a speed walk so she never fell behind her partners. Julia ran the first half or so and then walked and ran the rest. I think she may benefit from some pointers on her running form, but not sure how to go about that. The kids had enough fun they're sure to want to do it again. Especially if Noah and Olivia are going to be there.

I just wish I'd remembered to take the camera.