My inspiration

I ran a 5K back in July and did well, as far as my personal time is concerned. My 5K last year was 32:40 and this July I ran 30:40. It is still rather slow, but I was happy with the 2 minute improvement. I left before the awards, since I had to get home to the kiddies. Then a few weeks later, this arrived in the mail:



It seems that I placed 3rd in my age group. I was really happy to receive the medal, but the response from my 5-year-old daughter was priceless...something that I will never forget. I showed her the medal and she said "See...I told you that you would finally win something!" Before each of my races, she asks me if I will win. I reply "No, I just run because I love it." We have also had discussions about fitness, exercise and health. She definitely understood the benefits of running, but felt I should have something to show for all my work. She was completely in awe of the medal.

That day became "my day". She called me "medal girl" for the rest of the day. She sang "Happy Medal Day to You" to the tune of Happy Birthday. She made me a plastic cake from her play kitchen. She told everyone we saw that day that I won a medal. I was her hero for the day...I will never forget that day. Her reaction meant more to me than any medal I could have received. To be a hero to my own daughter is a feeling like no other. That reaction keeps me motivated on the tough days. That reaction got me through 9.5 miles in the rain on Saturday.

She has decided that she wants to be a runner too. It makes me so proud. We bought her these running shoes:






She has her first race this Sunday....a kids Fun Run after my 5K. I can't wait to see her run in it. She has a very competitive spirit...won't be long before she is passing me in a race.