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Better Late Than Never


 

May 12th:  

Trillium Run, Mt Forest

My first experience at any type of a race, run, whatever you would like to call it, was a wee bit of a shock to me. I had no idea the level of competitiveness in these runners. I thought the fact that they referred to the run as the "5km Road Race" was just a formality. But no, it was definitely a race to the finish... for most. I had no intentions of beating any preconceived time or "medalling" in the race, believe me, no intention at all! But much to my chagrin, EVERYONE'S time was recorded for public view and noted by everyone, and later will be published for even more people to see. It makes me laugh at the thought. And the story of my first race, is for sure that, a laugh!

We ran... sort of. Gus, Linda & I made a strong start, but it was a short lived strength. We stuck to our plan of running 2 minutes, walking 1 minute for the first kilometre, after that things definitely started to fall apart!

It took a kilometre before the eight year old's eyes were brimmed with tears. There was a constant threat of those tears spilling out at any point thereafter. We tried encouragement, bribery and I did the occasional "mom" thing and added a threat. It was a 5km battle with a ornery 8 year old.

I knew we were in trouble when the "walkers" started passing us. I tried to encourage Gus to move faster, but my efforts were futile. He was determined to WALK and by walk, I mean me dragging him while he remained at least 3 steps behind me! (About an hour after the "race" my shoulder started to throb and I thought to myself, what the heck, why is my shoulder so sore?! Then it dawned on me; I spent a good 1.5 - 2 km dragging a 70lb child)

When Linda's grandson's met up with us along the way, things improved a little. Gus was still dead set against breaking the snail's pace we had set. But his spirits were greatly improved. Then once the end was in sight the sluggish, tired, cranky boy disappeared and a determined little runner emerged. We set back on our original plan of walking 1 minute, running 2 minutes. As we were drawing close to the finish line, we were laughing, chatting and having a great time. I turned to talk to Gus only to see him ZIP right past and lunge towards the end. He was flying! I had struggled for a little life out of him for the last 4 km and now he literally pulls a fast one on me!!

I was amazed, after all the dragging, encouraging, and occasional threat that I had resorted to throughout the race, all that was really needed was the glory of having people see him finish and finish in style. 

To top the day off, Gus managed to receive a 2nd place medal. He did "medal" in his first race. (I should really mention there were only 2 boys under 9, so he was kind of a shoe in) So, as I struggled to keep him going, he left me in the dust. And now, while he is enjoying another trophy for his collection, I am underwhelmed at my standing in the official times of the 5km "racers". Oh well, better late than never.... And it was an experience. We didn't beat any records, but as our first attempt, at least we tried it, and finished.

Can't say it was overly "fun" for me from kilometres 1 - 4, but I will overlook this for the sake of the child. In the end he was happy and pleased with himself. And I am also proud of him. He wanted to quit and did come close, but he didn't, he carried on and he finished his very first 5km race at eight years old.

And let's not say, that I would have done much better had i not been with him. I have no qualms in admitting, I am not a runner!.... But there is always next year.

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