Nobody cares if you're not a good dancer. Just get up and dance. The same holds true for racing. Whether first or last, we all cross that same finish line. Just get out there and run.
- Dean Karnazes

Monday, May 2, 2011

Girls On The Run Atlanta Spring 5K

This was an incredible race because this was Bella's very first 5K. We went out there and had a good time, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend a Saturday morning. K and her teenage daughter joined us for this race as well.

We picked up our race numbers, and it was pretty neat because everyone had the same number on their bibs... #1. We walked around to visit the different booths and Bella posed for some pictures with the Menchies guy and the Caribou from Caribou Coffee.



We picked up some temporary tattoos and GOTR eye sticker things. We looked pretty fly with our tats and eye things.



So, I taped bits and pieces of the race and put them together in a video of her race. So here it is...



Some quick thoughts about the race itself. This particular GOTR event seemed to be a lot more organized than the one in the Fall, it just didn't feel quite as chaotic. The Georgia Tech Women's basketball, swimming and diving teams were out there cheering through out the race which was great because they were in places where Bella was really starting to fizzle out. Each time that we passed the people out there cheering she seemed to perk up.

As for the personal aspects of this race. It was great to see Bella really go out there and push. There were times where I really had to help her get it going. We walked more than I thought we would but she kept going which is all I really expected out of her. I had started out telling her that we could just go and walk the whole thing, I didn't expect her to want to run. Then, there were the hills. I knew it would be hilly but I guess I just didn't realize what those hills would look like. Bella did ok with some of the hills and then really struggled with some of the others. So running with Bella was actually really good for me, in the sense that it helped me because some of what I told B during the race is what I need to be telling myself during the races. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Anyways, towards the end Bella was near tears, she was tired and was ready for it to be over. After the finish, she shed a few tears but K and I talked to her, we got her some water, a banana and a lot of hugs. After it was over, she was pretty darn proud of herself.

When we got in the car, she asked if she could run with me again. How can I say no to that?! Then we showed her what 3.1 miles look like when we drove from the race to the Whole Foods in Buckhead. I think she didn't realize how far she had gone. She was impressed, and rightfully so. After I got her home, she was wiped out and was pretty calm the rest of the day.

Today before she went to bed, we had a little post race Q and A.

5 comments:

G Lady said...

Well I was in tears watching her cross. Sure love Bella! Proud of you both! Squeeze her tight for me and thank her again for introducing us!

Rebecca said...

how awesome is that!? and she should have gotten her first medal too right?

i have two i have to work in 2 weeks...i can't wait for them!

Fruit Fly said...

Oh. My. Gosh. Could she be ANY cuter??? I seriously don't think so. I want her. Can I just have her and you can make a new one??

That was all sorts of adorable. I read tons of posts today trying to get caught up, and this is my favorite one by far. So sweet. I love that she thanked you and wants to train and do it again. Precious!!

So when should I come pick her up?

Tina Welch said...

Thanks for posting this! Abby and I went to the Komen for the Cure Race on Saturday- I really wanted to do the 5K (walk, that is) but was afraid she wouldn't make it. We did the 1 mile instead, and had a great time- but I think we'll try for the 5K on our next race!! :)

Anonymous said...

Too stinkin' cute! My kids have only done a mile. I haven't been brave enough to get them to a 5k, I need to. I love how enthusiastic she is before and after. Totally awesome. Great job being a great influence!

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