The Ringenberg Family: Great North Run

Yesterday Jack and I "ran" in the Great North Run, which is a 1k/5k/10k race that benefits Washington Twp. schools. I'd originally wanted to run the 5k on my own and send Ryan on the 1k with the kiddos, but we decided we didn't want to help the schools that much. So off Jack and I went on a beautiful Saturday to do our 1k race. Jack thought this race was going to be like Daddy's mini-marathon he does in May with TV coverage, newspapers, etc. and thought the winner would be on TV. Then, as we were walking to the race, we overheard someone talking about water stations, and he asked if there would be water stations on our race.

"Um, sorry Jack. I don't think our race is long enough to have water stations." "Oh, okay."

We waited inside the high school (yay for bathrooms and heat!) until our race. When I saw all of the 5k racers take off, I wondered if there would be anyone left for our race. As we lined up I saw one of Jack's friends from last year in line as well as another boy from his class this year so it was good to know we were not the only ones doing the shorter race.

"On your mark, get set, go!"

Off we ran...for about 3 minutes. The race was fun, and Jack did pretty well. He walked for a little while but overall did well. As we saw the finish line he pushed past the pain and kept running. :) If you ask him, he will tell you he beat me because he got his ribbon before I did...and I'll let him think that.

After the race we headed to the recovery area (because we were so wiped out!) and pilfered from all of the stations set up in the gym: water, pens, pencils, stickers, fruit, necklaces, etc., we collected them all!

The best part, though, was as we were walking back to the car. Jack said, "Mommy, my favorite part of the day is just being with you, and no matter what else we do today, being with you is my favorite part of the day." Awww...he melted my heart right then! That was my favorite part of the day, too!