[A note to Sports Backers, Kids Run organizers]

I think I shared with most of you how awesome it was to see Ella make her way across the finish line Friday night.  Had it not been for Mary Marshall, Megan, Lisa, Faith, Townley and others “persuading” me that I should sign Ella up for the Kid’s Run, I would have missed out on the second best parenting moment ever.  (The first being the giant smile on her face moment she took off on her own without training wheels and without me crouched over holding the bike and running with her.) 

Ella was excited just to get the tee shirt Thursday night, it had nothing to do with actually running.  Then I tried to dissuade her Friday night when the rain was still coming down as I came home from work, but to my surprise, she would have none of that.  She was determined she was going to run the race.  Once we got there I told her it was only once around the track because for some reason that is what I actually thought.  When we got to the place where we started she said “Mommy, I am going to keep going and follow the kids.”  I said ok as I huffed and puffed behind here.

So, we both made it to the finish line with big tears of joy.  And you can see the pure emotion on her face in the picture (attached).  She just kept saying, “I made it, I made it to the end.” 

This is a child who would rather read a book or draw a picture then go outside and play.  She protests even walking to the mailbox to get the mail saying it is too far or she is tired or her legs hurt.  She has taken the medal to bed and to school every day.  And now, she wants to know when we can run the next race. 

Thank you all for what you do for our community, for providing an opportunity for people to accomplish big and small goals and for allowing so many people to be a part of one of the greatest assets in our region.  It is truly my pleasure to work with all of you.

Stephanie

Sent in by Sports Backers.  If you would like us to use your story, Click Here to email RuninRich.com.