In theory, it is supposed to be fun for the participating kids. If this simple concept was not true, then the weekly event would not be monikered, "Fun Run for Kids." Although, looking back, maybe it
is fun for the kids. Perhaps there is nothing but truth in the event's name. No where in the name of the event is a designation for a subtitle, "Anxiety for Parents." Although, this addition would be applicable - at least for this parent.
The weekly event is held at a local high school's track, and is hosted by the local running club. The supposed idea is to get young kids (from ages one to whatever) out on the track and running - in designated age groups, e.g. 1-2 year olds, 3 year olds, and so forth. Each group has an opportunity to go on the track and run a lap (or half a lap for the youngest group). The idea seems harmless enough, and on a beautiful early Friday evening, it seemed like a good idea. My boys like being outdoors. They love to run (especially indoors and at other inconvenient moments) - so why not combine these two elements? It seems like a simple math equation that should equal success!
When we arrived I was amazed at the sheer number of people...and the racing tags. Racing tags! You only get one tag for one side of the body, which is good, since the tags were practically wrap-arounds for my boys. I couldn't imagine why we were getting these, although, a thought ran through my head, "Next time, dress the boys alike, have one start the race and hide near the 200 meter mark. When Joseph gets there, have him roll off of the track and have Jameson pop up and finish!" I could see my self in the winner's circle, wearing gold chains and holding a cigar, "What!? #5913 wasn't my runner, it was #5914! Do you see a difference!?"
After daydreaming, I then watched the younger age group run (the 1-2 year old group) and chuckled as parents (mostly dads) chased after their kids -
in all directions - around the track. Of course, these were the lucky ones as others were stuck carrying their suddenly immobile kid. Was I worried? Naaaaa...I have seen my boys run for hours,* and Lord knows when I need them to do something they suddenly find an extra gear of speed when running in the other direction. What's the worse that could happen? They need to walk? So be it. I might need to walk, too, and at least I will then have an excuse.
Our first problem was that we didn't get to the starting line on time. I got confused as the moment neared, and before I realized what had happened, I saw a lot of anxious three year olds and their parents (dads) taking off on the track. I grabbed Joseph and Jameson and weaved through the mass of sweaty, exhausted runners finishing from the first group (those were just the parents) and managed to catch up to the back of the pack. "Here we go, " I thought as I let go of the boys' hands, anticipating a blur of color as each boy took off by me. Here is what happened:
100 meters in the run, already far behind the field (because of me), and down goes a boy. I helped him up, like any caring, nurturing parent would, "You okay? Great! Let's go catch those people!" and held my breath. Both boys were back to their winning form until I heard the one word that could turn this "Fun" run into a "Done" run..."Mommy?"
The quivering tone told me everything I needed to know as I turned around and saw Joseph - no longer running - but standing 250 meters (more than half a lap) away from the finish line (and Mommy). "No big deal," I thought as I went over and picked him up, "I can carry him a little bit and reason with him that the faster he gets to the finish, the faster he can see his mother's beautiful face. We can do this."
"Mommy?!" This more panicked voice did not come from the boy in my arms. I turned around to see my other son - also no longer running - now standing 240 meters (still more than half a lap) away from the finish line (and Mommy). We stood in silence, Jameson's puppy dog eyes staring at my dumb-struck face, while Joseph, in my arms, pointed out the really tall lights in the stadium.
Katie, a spectator to all of this (240 meters away), recalls this moment - with a little too much pleasure, for my taste - by saying there was a moment where I looked like I was going to take the boys and cut through the football field to the finish. I assure you, there was a moment within this situation where I planned on cutting through the football field to the finish, but I refuse to say whether or not I was planning on bringing the boys with me.
None the less, I managed to coerce the boys to continue around the track - I am pretty sure I promised both of them soda, staying up until midnight, cell phones, and me doing their homework for their first 8 years of schooling.
All in all, there was sweat, tears, and a little scrapping of a knee at this event. Isn't that all you could ask for from a competitor in the "Fun Run for Kids?" Now, about changing that name...
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| All that for a ribbon? |
