Apr 05 2009
5K Race in Manassas, Virginia
About a week ago, Josiah and I ran a 5k race together. He’s thinking of running cross country in high school next year, so I thought it would be good for him to get a little training in before then. I laid out a 4 week training plan for him that included 4 days of running each week. He did a good job of sticking to the plan for the entire month.
At the Start
Josiah has a tendency to start out at a dead sprint. Since this course was an out-and-back course, I told him he had to stick with me for the first half, then he could run at his own pace after that. We took off and settled into a comfortable pace. After we turned around at the halfway point, Josiah picked up the pace a little, and I did my best to hang with him. That lasted for about 5 steps before I let him go.
With around 3/4 of a mile to go, Josiah was about 30 seconds in front of me. I saw him stop to walk for a few seconds and got my hopes up a little. But he started running again before I could catch up. However, with about 1/2 mile left, he stopped to walk again, and I was able to catch him! At that point, he asked how much more was left. I pointed out the sign at the entrance to the park about 1/4 mile ahead, and then he left me and never looked back again.
Josiah finished in 21:34, which is about 6:58 per mile.
Josiah Finishing
About 17 seconds later, I crossed the finish in 21:54 (7:03 pace).
Dale Finishing
Overall, Josiah had placed 9th out of 106 runners, and I had placed 12th. I figured Josiah had a good chance of getting an award for his age group, so we hung around for the awards ceremony. Sure enough, Josiah place 2nd in the Under 19 category. In the picture of Josiah finishing, you can see the kid who placed 3rd in that category. Josiah sprinted to beat him, not realizing that he was moving up a spot in the age group awards. Much to all of our surprise, I came in 2nd also for my age group, 40-49.
Second Placers
I’ve vowed to stick to small local races as often as possible from now on!
I am so impressed!
Especially since I dont ever run unless I am being chased by a dog.
I love the great photo of Josiah and Dale with their certificates and their Mona Lisa smiles. A beaut father and son momment, very cool.
Congrats to both of you!
This past week I was reminded why Dale is such a good listener. I delivered to the former March AFB in Alexandria,LA. NOTHING happens quickly in central Louisiana. First we discuss your Momma, and whether her knee is any better, and the weather, and where the fish are biting. Eventually we’ll get around to the business at hand. In that way, perhaps it’s like Mosul. But it means one’s priorities are in the right place.