Racing the Kane

Steve ran another 5k race last week ... it is called Racing the Kane.  It is in Orem at Mountainville HS.  It is a fundraiser for the workers in the kane fields in the Dominican Republic.  Steve ran it last year too. 

While Steve ran the race, the girls got their faces painted and climbed on the "Bruins" sign. 

Steve did well. 

Alyssa really wanted to run, so we registered her.  I wasn't sure if she wanted to run or just wanted the "free shirt" and "free breakfast".  The other two girls weren't interested at all.  While Steve was running, all Alyssa had cared about was her face paint and prizes.  But once he finished, she started getting very focused and stretching.. 

Alyssa took her stretching very seriously, and did more stretching than probably about 99% of the people who had run that day.  I was even afraid she was overdoing it and would be tight as a result.  BUT, I have to say, she ran better than I've ever seen her run.  Her run was smooth and coordinated and athletic looking.  It was quite fun and exciting to watch her.   

There were 8 girls racing in her age group.  In past races Alyssa has run, there have been more like 20-30 in her age group.  Alyssa typically finished bottom 3-4, but we were pleased because she kept running the entire race.  We just asked her to run the entire race ... we want her to learn to pace herself.  This time, we said the same, just pace yourself, run the whole race and give it your best.  She did exactly that. 

As she was wrapping up the race, we realized she was in 4th place.  We told her to push hard and go for it.  She didn't realize HOW close she was to the front of the pack.  She ran through the finish line literally a step behind 2nd place, unfortunately, another girl was only 1/2 step behind so she finished 4th.  It was about as close to a photo finish as a kids race will come.  We are so proud of her.  She learned that pacing yourself is important and that giving EVERY last ounce of speed and energy at the end is extremely important.  She told us that if she had known the girls in front of her were 2nd and 3rd place, she could have run a little harder and beaten them, and I believe her.  She gave those two a run for their money as they both looked like they were giving it everything to hold their ground.  A spark of competitiveness showed up in Alyssa, something that I haven't seen in her before.  It made me excited for our next race!  And I see a little bit more of me in her.  :)

Overall a good day.  Now I just need to get disciplined enough to be ready to race again soon.