We'd mostly just hang out and go on outings during the times we'd meet up, but on occasion, he'd come with me on some of my runs riding beside me on his bicycle. Never wanted to pressure him into running with me, but after making the suggestion of running a race together one day, he lit up and definitely wanted in. So last Sunday, we found ourselves toeing the line of his first race.
The kid did a great job. The 1st mile went by without a hitch but he definitely struggled some as the race wore on and in the last mile and half, I had to push him a little (our longest training run was a 2 miler). We ended up crossing the line together with both of us beaming with pride. Our official time was a very pedestrian 38:06, but more importantly I wanted to instill in him the will and fortitude it takes to finish a difficult task and that the payoff is worth it in the end.
Crossing the finish! (photo courtesy of Rich Cruse)
Not sure if the running thing will take with him, but my hope more importantly were the indirect lessons that come from crossing that finish line in spite of the blood, sweat and tears you shed to get there. Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic for a 5K...but you get the picture.
Anyway, damn proud of that kid. He did good.
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This upcoming weekend, I'm setting out on a whole different kind of venture. Thanks to the coordination of a couple of members of the Trail Runners Club, about a dozen or so of us will be embarking on a 'Rim to Rim' (approx ~21 miles) run of the Grand Canyon on Saturday.
Reading about this experience through others, including many who've done the Rim to Rim to Rim - or approximately 42 (!) miles - only fueled my desire to embark on this once in a lifetime adventure. It promises to be difficult, hot (think 80-90s in the canyon) and an absolute blast. I will no doubt be carrying lots of fluid (my Nathan pack + a couple of bottles), food + gels and of course, my camera.
Full report if/when I make it back.
18 comments:
38 minutes aint so bad when your legs are only 2'6"! I have to say this make me proud to know you!
Have fun at R2R...hate you ;-)
Very cool doing the 5k w/ your little buddy! I am going to do a similar event soon with the Girls on the Run group and I'm looking forward to it.
Wow--would love to do the rim-to-rim run. Should be awesome for you!
Great that you ran the 5k with your buddy. I'm sure he loved the experience. I'm mentoring a girl in a Girls on the Run 5k soon and am looking forward to it.
Anxious to hear about the rim-to-rim event--should be awesome!
I really admire you for taking on a Little, Billy. You have such a big heart.
That Rim to Rim run looks amazing - I always hear of people hiking the Grand Canyon but never running it. I hope you have a great time and I'm really looking forward to the pictures.
That is sooo cool you're a Big Brother! Props to you! And very cool you crossed the finish line together - I'm sure he'll remember it forever.
Have a blast this weekend - I've never heard of this but now I'm intrigued! Good luck! Take lots of pics!
Wow... that is great how you have helped that kid. The lessons he is learning about goal setting are invaluable.
Have a great time at the Grand Canyon. I am jealous and really looking forward to reading all about it.
Awww Billy, I'm so proud of you! What an awesome thing to do with your little bro! I know he'll remember that forever.
Good luck at the GC! Every race you sign up for you make me want to run too! I'm scared of moving to LA now :-/
I've said it before and I'll keep saying it...you are such a wonderful person! That 5K will be something he will remember his entire life, as will all the times you've spent with him. No doubt that you've made a huge, positive impact on him and this his life will be better thanks to you. Kids need a positive role model and I can bet he thinks the world of you, with good reason!
As for R2R, I'm officially very jealous (and sad that I got no invite...where's the love? j/k). Have a blast and report all the details, complete with pics and video for us mortals.
You brought a tear to my eye! That is so sweet and I bet that boy will remember it well into his adult life. It's sometimes the simplest things that make the biggest impact on our lives.
Good luck on the RtoR! Can't wait to hear about it WHEN you come back (this is something on my wish list in the next few years).
LOVE that pic, what an awesome thing you did :)
cant wait to read about the rim to rim!! that will be an experience. a bunch of people from the team i train with are running half dome at yosemite this year - gah.
Dude I am so jealous R2R in a day! I once did R2R but it took a 3 day weekend and 50 pound pack.
"in spite of the blood, sweat and tears you shed to get there. Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic for a 5K"
I bet he felt that way. A 5k is a looong way to go if you are new to running. It's also a long way when you are a kid and the world seems so large. Good luck on your R2R2R run. I did it a few years back and really enjoyed it despite being over trained after a full spring and summer of racing. Here are my photos, the first set on my flickr account, wow that was 2005: http://www.flickr.com/photos/84208024@N00/sets/1576647/
I also just recently created a shirt on Spreadshirt commemorating the run. One of these days I will go back and do it again. Don't look down when you are on the North Rim. http://trailthreads.spreadshirt.com/r2r2r-A6045769/customize/color/417
Good job at being a big brother! The world needs more people like you.
Have fun with the run at the Grand Canyon! Take notes. I'll need to borrow them when I go there.
I cant wait to hear about the Rim to Rim! Sounds fantastic!!!! take lots of pictures!!!
You are an amazing "Big" brother!!! well done!
Wow, you are such a good "Big". That photo of you and your little bro is awesome.
The other awesome thing is the Rim-to-Rim, that sounds amazing! Please make it back because I cannot wait to read the report. Take me with if there is ever a next time.
Such a great thing to do Billy. People often talk about giving back to the community. You do.
I'll be waiting for a full R2R report. It's something I've wanted to do for a while now....
What a cool thing you did with your Lil Bro. Thanks for being a Big Bro, Billy.
Can't wait to read abour R2R. It is on my to do list for sure.
That is so cool that you got your little brother to get into running!
Rim to Rim sounds spectacular, please do take a lot of photographs :)
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