Born to Run Day 1

As many of you might know, I am a volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization and I have been "matched" with a little sister for 2 years. The experience has had its share of ups and downs but overall I have really enjoyed getting to know this little girl and her family. Unfortunately, Crishauna has had a pretty rough year in school and with her family. In an attempt to help her gain a little confidence I have convinced her to join a running program that BBBS in partnership with the local running supply store, RunTex, is initiating. For the next six weeks we will meet every Saturday morning at 8:30 with a trainer from the RunTex to prepare for a 5K on September. The really great thing about the program is the promotion of physical activity but the bribe to get the kids out there is a FREE pair of running shoes. During this six week training session she will be given a free pair of brand new running shoes that she can take home after the race, provided she attends all the training sessions! Great deal, huh! I thought so but it took a lot of coaxing and finally another bribe to get her to agree to do it!

However, I do have to admit that I do have my own selfish reasons for convincing her to join the program. Nothing is truly altrusitic is it. I really want the opportunity to get some free training from those running instructors and the obligation to run twice a week. Running is not my favorite exercise but the results are fantastic and if I ever find myself chased by bad guys I won't be limping along with a horrible stitch in my side. Yes, that has been a worry of mine! Anyway, today's training session wasn't exactly a huge hit with Crishauna. She complained the whole time we stretched and walked the first lap. But she is a competitive girl and by the second lap she was showing a little more energy and interest. During the walk back to the store from the park she was animated and chatting away. It was Larry, the instructor, who noted this visible change in energy and called her on it! Now I wouldn't say she was enthusiastic about the program when we left but she at least agreed to continue going and we are going to go walking tomorrow as part of our training. I plan to write after each training session and kind of document how this all turns out. I will be so proud of us if we finish the training and run in the race!!