Hayden wanted to join Sanborn's running club this year, solely for the purpose of getting to go to the swim party at the end of the school year! We decided to let her try, and set some very clear expectations. Since she was starting this, she was not allowed to quit. She needed to attend every practice, unless she was sick, and we would like for her to run in the races. I did not know you had to qualify, I just figured you could pick and choose.
Hayden qualified for her first race, which was held at Tumbleweed park. I had no idea what to expect. I definately didn't expect about 200 kids from grades K-6, lined up on a rolling start, running all at the same time! I didn't expect the course to be so expanse, and I had no idea, until the day of, that they run 1.5 miles in this race. I'm a very competitive girl, by nature, as I grew up, an athlete. I've released that competitive nature and lowered my expectations to just encourage my girls to just try and give things their all. OR SO I THOUGHT!
I had high anxiety with the course being so spread out, that my mom, Conal and I each ran to different spots around the park to a.) keep an eye on Hayden and b.) encourage her to keep running. As she rounded the turn to the first spot I was standing, I felt myself overcome with emotion. She was running. And participating. And trying her hardest. As I yelled in a crazy loud voice that Conal is convinced everyone heard, but Hayden, I found myself winding up even more. I could see her blonde braids from across the park, and she was still running. And as she approached another turn where we were standing and yelling, she was STILL RUNNING! She was passing kids...boys, girls, kids older than her! And once I realized her placement in this race, I felt this rush of competition come over me. O.M.G...she's fast! She's near the front of the pack and she's GOING TO FINISH!
As she rounded the last corner, I was screamin' my heart out and she glanced me a smirkish-smile. I felt tears well up in my eyes. Our baby girl was finishing her first race. She participated in a sport, where she was able to calm her own fears..panic..phobias, and succeed! To know the heartache she's been through trying to find "her thing"...this was a perfect boost of confidence on so many levels! We met her at the finish line, where she was given number 64. I had no idea what that meant. But we decided to stay for the awards ceremony to see how it works and what goes on. So glad we did....lo and behold, 1st grade girls, third place finisher...HAYDEN MARQUETTE!! 64th place overall...out of the 200-ish kids that ran, boys and girls alike. Holeeee, Moleee!
She went up for her ribbon clearly unphased by what was going on. We're thinking she thought everyone got one. But by the time we got home, it was sinking in. We were rounding the corner onto our street and she said "I did that for you, Mommy". I said, "What? What did you do for me"? She said, "I ran for you, Mommy. I heard you screaming HAYDEN...GO HAYDEN, GO HAYDEN, and I knew you would be proud". I literally had to pull my car over.
I was in tears. I told her that I'm just so proud that she ran in the race, and that she finished. That is what makes me proud. That she tried something new, and even though she was scared, she did it! By the end of the night, she totally understood what happened. She found a nice place on her wall for her ribbon that evening. Yet, when I went in to wake her up the next morning, I found it in bed with her!
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I had the hardest job of all ;-)
My mom in her ugly Christmas sweater! Love this picture of my parents and all five of their grandkids!
And this is After! Yep, she still doesn't like the "woods". That's ok with her Mommy ;)
Ahh, the Adventurer
Waiting for the Light Parade
Trying to catch a snowflake. This was her first snow, y'know
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