Lessons I learned from my daughter

Competition and I don't get along overly well.  Perhaps it's because I figure everyone is better at things then I am, so I simply compete against myself and try my darnedest to not come in last.  I know that probably isn't a healthy way to think, but I do.  So I compete more so against myself then anything else, and I'm pretty happy with that philosophy.

On 12 May 2012, I learned that no matter how much I train for something, when you are running in a jet lagged body with a stomach torn up from food that it's not used to, schedule conflicts that don't allow for pre-race pasta, and simply not anywhere near enough bathrooms to super hydrate: a good, strong 25k is just not going to happen.  And I'm OK with that (this year) because it gives me LOTS of room for improvement next year.

About 10 minutes after the race (still smiling).

Just 6 days after the 5/3 Riverbank 25k, Alyssa and I ran in the Girls on the Run 5k.  Let me take a second and explain to you what GOTR is.  It is a program for 3-5 grade girls where volunteers (teachers and parents) teach the girls positive self-esteem building skills through different exercises while training for a 5k.   Each girl received 2 shirts (1 training and 1 for the 5k), New Balance running shoes, and friendships that are built on positiveness.  Alyssa was so excited to be a part of this program and I was ecstatic that she wanted to be.

As the 5k drew closer, I asked her if she wanted me on the side lines cheering her on or running it with her.  She requested the latter. 

As the event got started, Alyssa took off running nice and strong.  So much so, that I wondered if I would be able to keep up with her during the entire 5k.

About 200 yards into it, she stopped.  Panting, exhausted, she was done.

I wanted to cheer her on.

To urge her to keep going.

But she asked me not to.

She asked me to do this with her, at her pace, not mine.

That was difficult for me.  I wanted to push her and encourage her to try and make an effort of at least jogging slowly.  But she wanted nothing of it.

So I bit my lip, swallowed my pride, and enjoyed the time with my baby girl who isn't much of a baby any more.

Alyssa and I heading to the finish line.

I love that she wanted to hold my hand as we crossed the finish line.  I also love the fact that she had enough motivation to even do the event.  So many people won't even try a 5k, but she did, and I'm a proud mom for that.

She taught me that it's OK to take things slow and to stop and play in the sprinklers when you are warm (they lined the roads- such nice people in Allegan.)  And most importantly, she taught me that it's perfectly acceptable and highly recommended to be myself.

She is pretty wise for almost being 10.