Ashyn's First Race

       One of the things I always hoped my running would do, would be to teach my children how important an active and healthy lifestyle is.  I want my children to grow up being active and making a conscious effort to eat healthy and take good care of their bodies.  Well, a couple of weeks ago my brother was at our house.  He casually asked Ashlyn if she had any interest in running in a pumpkin race.  She immediately started jumping up and down and said enthusiastically, "Yes!"  We told her that she could definitely do it if it sounded like fun to her.  The next morning, I heard her get up and start getting dressed.  I went in her room and asked her what she was doing.  She told me she was getting ready for her race.  (She thought it was happening right away).  I explained to her that the race wouldn't be for a couple of weeks.  Leading up to the race we talked about it a lot.  She was so excited for it.  I went out and bought her her first pair of running Nikes to run in.  She was all set to go!

        On Saturday, we woke up bright and early and got ready for the race.  We were blessed with absolutely perfect weather for her first race.  We eat breakfast and we talked about the importance of eating healthy food to give us fuel for activities like running.  My mom and sister came to come to the race with us.  The race was at the pumpkin farm where I used to go every year in elementary school to get a pumpkin.  We met my brother there who had run a 5k earlier that morning there.  Ashlyn got her bib was ready to go.  They gathered all of the kids and had them do a group warm-up with a Halloween theme.  The race was 400 meters.  I decided that it would probably be best if I ran with her so she would know which way to go and keep going.  She also wanted my brother to run with her to.  They said, "Go" and she took off like a pro.  She is one fast little girl!  She did an amazing job.  Towards the end, she started slowing down a bit, but I told her to keep running and she did.  When she crossed the finish line, she got her ribbon and she was so proud of herself.  I was so proud of her too.  All the kids got to pick a pumpkin.  The only rule was that they had to be able to carry it themselves.  She took such pride in picking her pumpkin and carrying to the car like the other kids.  It was too cute! 

      I am proud of Ashlyn for doing her first race. She told me she really wants to do it again and I am already thinking of some good ones for her to do.  I hope she continues to be athletic and make healthy choices. 

Ashlyn and Mommy before the race.  She had to do her silly face. 

They love each other so much!

In her movie start glasses. 

Doing some warm-ups before the race started. 

And she was off!

Look at that girl go!!!

She was really having an great time.

We held her hand at the end.

So proud of our girl!

At the finish line getting her ribbon.

Showing off her ribbon. 

Picking which pumpkin she wanted. 

She was so proud to get to carry it to the car.

Dawson checking out her prize.  One day soon he will be out there too!