Have Cheer Squad... Will Travel

It has been two weeks since my ½ marathon so when I heard about a local 5k race I thought, what the heck, may as well get moving again.  (Plus I think I am really into race bling and willing to do whatever it takes to get a finishers medal.)  I knew I would have my work cut out for me because the hubs had to work so I would be pushing the kids in the stroller.

My cheer squad enjoying the
fruits of my labor

We hung out towards the back of the pack as we waited to start.  The race officials asked that those with strollers wait until the last few waves so the serious runners could get off and moving, and I get that.  So when it was our turn we headed out; my cheer squad was in full effect.  “Go faster mommy, catch up with those people mommy, I’m hungry mommy, I want a snack!”  

Despite the 4 year old’s nagging I did manage to keep a pretty good pace and am happy with my finish, plus the last mile was all downhill. With the weight of the stroller pulling me, I had a pretty nice pace- well below my average per mile pace. 

The one thing that was great about this race was the lack of ‘hotshot’ runners (no offense to you gifted, fast runners).  This race was geared for those completing their fist 5k or half marathon, running or walking or a combo of both.  Everyone there had worked very hard to get there; each of them had a story and there were certainly some noteworthy accomplishments.    The race atmosphere was fun and the support crews were great at encouraging the participants

We finished the race and went back home for a few hours, only to return so the little Miss could participate in the kids fun run.  It struck me when we got there because a 5k participant was just crossing the finish line.  I didn’t get to see their face but what an amazing person.  It also made me appreciate all the work I’ve done; amazingly enough I managed a 6^th place in my age group for the race.  I think I have found my people!

6th Place - Unbelievable!

Overall though it occurred to me that yesterday’s race was someone else’s Victoria.  Some of those participants had been working for months, this was their Victoria for 2015, and crossing that line had great significance to them.  So congratulations to those who completed their Victoria.  I cannot wait to see how that feels in June.  

My little inspiration!