Freedom run!!!

LET FREEDOM RUN!

That was the theme for the Provo, UT 10k/5k freedom run. Jim and Lindi were registered to run the 10 k and Tyler, being the amazing runner that he is wanted to run it too. We trained for 3 months, he was up to running 4.75 miles without much of a rest so I figured he'd be OK. Then I guess I got nervous about having an 8 year old run that much and the day before the race, told him we needed to just do the 5k. He was reluctant, but agreed. Morning of the race it was COLD!!! We had layer of clothes on as we drove to Provo at 5:30am shivering. We got there and the excitement and adrenalin took over and we were able to shed some jackets. We re-registered for the 5k, met up with Jim and Lindi for some pre-race photos. My parents came down with the other kids to watch and take pictures.

Tyler was so nervous at the starting line, he really didn't like all the crowd of people around him. We were a little late getting there so the posts for lining up with people in your time rank were down. We ended up with a bunch of walkers and strollers which was super frustrating.

We spent the first mile dodging people and trying to catch up with our time group. I finally just told him to run first, fast and around anyone he could squeeze by, I'd catch up. He amazed me! I was working it to try and catch up. Ty ran like a champ! He only walked two times for about 10 steps each time, one of which was to drink a cup of water. He busted out his speed at the last 1/2 mile and finished with a time of 37:37 which is 11 minuets faster than he's ever run this far. This being his first competitive race over 1 mile, I was so proud of him! First thing he says to me after finishing was: "We should have done the 10k, that was weak!" Well son, don't you worry, the world of racing is far from through with you!