Girls gone running: mom and daughter take on 5k

~Melanie

Last weekend I ran a 5k race and it was a very special one: it was my ten year old daughter’s first 5k race and our first race together.  I was really keen to share the fun and excitement of running with her. She’d been watching me run out our front door several times a week for the last five years and had asked me repeatedly when she could come to a “real” run with me.  It was finally time.

So it was with a sense of great anticipation that I signed us both up.  I asked her if she had any questions and her only one was whether she’d get a timing chip to wear. (Kids and technology – the timing chip was the highlight for her!)

The morning of the race was cool and clear and as we prepared to leave home, my daughter confided that she was nervous.  I had to laugh – and told her that I was too.  I think no matter how prepared you are, how “fun” the run is or whether or not you have a time goal, there is always a sense of nervous anticipation before any race. 

When we arrived at race package pick up, she was immediately enthralled with the swag bag and her timing chip.  Her eyes were large grey saucers as she surveyed all the people chatting, stretching and nervously jumping from foot to foot.  We walked back to the car, pinned our numbers on and took advantage of some spare time to shoot a couple of photos.

Then it was time to line up at the start.  The half marathon was scheduled first, five minutes before the 5k start.  I definitely felt a twinge as those runners surged off – the half is my favorite race distance and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little forlorn at their departure.

But one look at the excitement on my daughter’s face told me I was right where I wanted to be.  I was looking forward to sharing what has become an important – even vital – part of my life and my greatest hope for my children is that they find passion in sport as well – whatever sport that may be.

The countdown was beginning and we smiled at each other.

I always feel emotional at the beginning of any race.  The sense of purpose, of excitement, all the training, the expectations and hopes all culminate in the moment before the starter gun fires.  This race was no different; if anything I felt even more emotional at sharing such a special moment with my daughter.

Then the gun cracked and we were off.

My goal for this run with my daughter was to make sure she enjoyed herself.  I didn’t care one whit about time, about our place in the pack, didn’t care if we walked the entire distance.  I just wanted her to have a great experience, to learn that exercise isn’t a dirty word and that fitness can be fun.

My daughter had her own plans and taking it easy wasn’t in them.

I’d planned to alternate running and walking the run with her, but right away she started off at a nice steady pace and began telling me all about the latest book she’d read.  When I suggested we take a walk break she told me that I could, but that she was determined to run the entire 5k. 

I didn’t argue.

She chatted nonstop, only pausing to remark when we passed each kilometer marker.  Sure enough, she kept her pace nice and steady and didn’t walk despite my plans.

Near the end of the race there was  a short but significant hill and because we were so close to the end, we bounded up it.  At the top, the course turned and we entered the running track for our final lap.  My daughter told me to pick up the pace and off she sped.  She caught me off guard and I sprinted to catch up.  As we rounded the final turn I was two paces behind her and the announcer and crowd cheered her on to beat her mother. 

And she did.  She’d really turned it on at the end and gave me a run for my money.

It was a fantastic run for both of us and a day I’ll always remember.

We’ve since decided that we’ll run more races together as a mother / daughter Girlgetstrong team that will run in support of charitable causes.  Our next run together: an 8k in Victoria, BC where our Girlgetstrong team will be comprised of my brother as well. We have many family and friends who run the Royal Victoria Marathon – my husband will be running the full, friends will be running the half and we’ll be running in the 1k kids run as well, along with our four children.   If you are ever looking for a stunning not-very-hilly waterfront course in a beautiful city that truly embraces the race, you should run the Victoria Marathon.  Stay tuned in mid-October for our race report!