Day 25: A Future Runner

Today was the first of what I assume will be a series of one milers squeezed into a series of busy day. This morning I invited my youngest (by three minutes) daughter to join me because I just didn't want to go and I really didn't want to be out there suffering by myself. Luckily for me, she said yes. 

This girl set off with fierce determination. She had great form, arms swinging properly, and good pace. She was quick and her breathing sounded strong. I asked if she needed to go quicker or slower and she said it was perfect. 

As we went around our neighborhood, she wasn't talking. And this kid chatters all the time. She entertains the family always. So it was unusual for her to be so quiet. I asked, "So, are you a silent runner?" And she just smiled sweetly and said yes. 

We cheered as we hit the 1/2 mile and kept trudging on at a good pace. I asked if she was feeling ok and she said she was. She looked so good as a runner. 

The last 1/2 mile was fun. We sang Neil Diamond's "America" but changed the word from "We're coming to America" to "We're coming to our home soon." It was a fun way to end this run. We clapped, cheered and hugged our accomplishment. 

While I don't put my dreams on my kids, this kid could make a runner someday. She was fast, had good form and was determined the whole time. I would love to see her join track, but only if she wants too. And while I waited 36 years to become a runner, maybe she will find a spark of a sport she loves, whatever that may be sooner than later. But what I was privileged to witness today was a determined little runner and that was a moment I'll cherish forever.