Four Days and Counting

In four days, I will be running my first 5k. My nervousness has transformed into excitement. My only goal for this race is to finish without walking, which in January when I started training, seemed questionable. This is no longer the case. I am running nearly half an hour without stopping and without feeling like I might keel over. What a transformation in just a few short months!

In the course of my training, I have found a place I really love to run. The trail starts on a bridge across the Missouri River and then runs parallel to a state highway. I put my ear buds in, enjoy music with a good beat to help me set a steady cadence, and I soak in the surroundings until my ear bud whispers "You are half way." And then I turn around and head back the way I came.

Last night we packed Cadence's bike in the back of my Pathfinder and set out. It was really fun running with her. For the most part, she cycled ahead of me. She'd stop and look back to check on me. I felt compelled to wave and smile--my silent cues that I was doing well AND enjoying the hard work of training. I keep thinking that she's recording all of these things in her young psyche and I want to be a good example. I want her to remember that I trained joyfully. That I was optimistic. That I didn't see it as a chore.

We ran/cycled a minimum of two miles, and she managed the hills like a champ. I captured in my mind's eye the sight of her pedaling with those strong legs of hers. Her little pony tail blowing in the wind as it peeked out of her helmeted head. I love the moments when using a camera seems unnecessary. That picture of her cycling ahead of me will last a long time.

After my running was completed, we met up on the bridge for a selfie. She rode ahead and waited for me as I walked back to our car. She said enthusiastically, "Thanks for taking me on this great adventure." I am so grateful that this is how she views the things we do together.