Run Jack Run!

When Jason and I picked up our race packets last week we decided to sign Jack up to do the Rookie Run. We were really excited for him because he's always telling us he needs to run...run while we're at the park, run away in stores, run while he's in the stroller...the kid is always wanting to run. So we figured this would be something really fun for him; his own race.

There were omens from the start though that this was going to be...um an event. The Friday we signed Jack up for this was an extremely windy day. As we were walking back to the car a huge gust of wind came and whipped Jack's packet out of the stroller and into traffic on West Street. I was walking a little behind Jason and saw it happen. A very nice lady stepped out in traffic and got Jack's t-shirt while I scooped Jack up and ran out in the middle of the street to gather flying papers. When we all regrouped at the stroller we realized the bib was missing. So Jason ran across to the median and walked along it looking for the bib. Several minutes later I saw the look of triumph I have seen so often as he's recovered lost shoes, wallets and Goofy toys.

All week the forecast called for rain and day after day the rain held off and the sun shone. Saturday (the day of Jack and Lincoln's party) the rain held off until early evening. And didn't let up. So Sunday it was raining for the Rookie Run. One of Jason's mottos is "Don't let the weather dictate your plans" so we packed a lunch and loaded up the kids to head downtown to the Rookie Run.

There were quite a few people out for such a rainy day. It wasn't too cold, but a little chillier than what it had been the previous week so I was hoping that along with the rain would deter some people. I was wrong.

So anyway, we start to line up at the starting corral. There were lots of people getting in line, but not a lot of people checking you in and telling you where to go or what to do. There wasn't a whole lot of information online about the event either. So I herded myself in with all the other sheep in hopes we'd be in the right place. Along the way Jack and I lost Jason and Graham.

Getting up to the starting corral

Jason kept working his way forward and finally found us over to the side of the starting line. I was able to reach over the railing and keep him entertained while we waited for the start. I thought I was in an area where I could walk up onto the race course beside Jack in case he needed help.

Showing his muscles before the race

I was wrong though. As soon as the race started, Jack took off following the other kids and the other parents and I were stuck behind a barricade. The parents who stood next to their kids were able to follow them out onto the track and race alongside the kids. I'll keep that in mind for future events.

And he's off!

So Jack was supposed to run down to the stop light (where traffic was still flowing) and then turn left and head back towards the starting line. Jack got to the stop light and tried to turn right and go around the volunteers who were 500 Princesses. One Princess had to um...help...Jack get turned around the right way.

Run Jack, Run!

Poor Princess. She had to stay with Jack the rest of the way to keep him running the right way. All the while the rain is steadily coming down. But Jack took it all like a champ.

Coming down the home stretch. Check out that form!

He ran the whole two blocks and ended the race with a smile on his face!

Go Jack, Go!

Getting ready to cross the finish line

Checking out his medal

After the race he was given a medal that looks just like the ones Jason and I got for running the Mini. He was pretty proud of it. I asked him what he liked best about running and he said racing the other kids. Let's hope next year he doesn't try to run into traffic.