You see, ever since the day Abel found out he didn't win the lottery to run in the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, he has been looking forward to taking Lucas down to the Washington Monument to participate in the Kids' 1/2 Mile Run.
But then two friends decided to sell their bibs and so Abel did get a slot in the 10 miler. At first I totally assumed that meant that the 1/2 Mile Run was off for Lucas. But, I was wrong. It meant SO much to Abel for Lucas to do it, and of course Lucas had gotten pumped for the race.
And that's how my friend and I ended up trekking FIVE children ages 11mos to 6 years on the 6:59am Metro train to Smithsonian, across the Washington Monument grounds (dodging runners and blocked roads) so Lucas and his friend (team Fireskulls as you can see in the photo above) could run a quick 1/2 mile loop.
Oh, the things we do!
In the end it was, indeed, worth it. Lucas ran the entire distance and was so incredibly proud of himself. It was a beautiful morning, and other than some elevator challenges (the two youngest were in a double stroller), the trek itself went pretty smoothly.
Thanks to Abel volunteering to do an elite athlete airport pick-up a few days prior to the race (and yet not actually having to perform that duty--he is SUCH a lucky duck!), he's got a guaranteed slot in next year's race. And so I anticipate a similar trek for the Kids' Run again next year.
The photo above is my reminder to myself that, despite the 5am alarm, we should do it again next year.
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
How wonderful! We went down to see the blossom on Saturday, but we were getting aboard a train at New Carrollton until about 10:30 am. Your little guy looks mighty proud there!! :)
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that the kids run was 1/2 mile! Go Lucas! That's awesome!
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