Weekend of Running

This weekend was a big running weekend for our family. Jon, a very reluctant runner, decided about 6 months ago that for his 30th birthday he wanted to run a half marathon. Please note that this was without any prodding from me. He approached his training like he does everything, very methodically. He worked hard and we decided to make a getaway out of his Saturday, Eastern Washington race. We left the boys with my parents (thanks Mom and Dad!) and didn't come home until Sunday.

Unfortunately, that meant we had to miss Matthew's big running event on Friday; his school's walkathon. Matthew too has been training for this event, running most recesses with the school's running club. The club was founded, among other reasons, to help kids earn mileage for the Seattle Kids' Marathon in November. Unlike Jon, Matthew has really fallen in love with running. Long distance running is a perfect fit for Matthew because he lacks foot speed and coordination (remember his soccer skills?). Matthew completed 3.0 miles during the hour walkathon, just a few laps off the kindergarten "most laps" winner. I was super sad to miss the event, but thankfully, Aunt Rachel and his best friend's mom were there to take some pictures!
Jon's race also went well. He consented to allowing my to run the race with him. With a bunch of adrenaline and a unfamiliar running partner, he started the race a little faster than his normal long runs. Despite how it looked at mile 6-8 to Jon, it all turned out well and we were able to finish 15 minutes faster than his goal time. And while Jon hasn't grown to love running, he has been talking about participating in future races. I count that as huge victory.
Before.
During.
End.