Cross Country Race

   Ashlyn's final cross country meet was on Saturday.  The weather was cool, but not as cold as the last meet.  My brother offered to run with her for her last meet.  She was excited to run her final race.  She has worked so hard this season and I have seen her improve so much.  She has definitely built up her endurance.  The meet consisted of three different schools.  As usual, the kindergarten/first grade race was first.  Ashlyn had a big cheering section again with her parents, brother, gram, aunt, uncle, and cousins all there to cheer her on.  We couldn't see her most of the course, but she took off fast and before we knew it she was coming towards the finish line.  She did really well like always.  We were so proud of her! 
    After the race, they had a pumpkin patch and breakfast.  It was a really nice meet.  I am sad that the cross country season is over.  I will truly miss running with Ashlyn Monday mornings.  We always had fun running and talking.  I am happy she doesn't have to get up early twice a week.  Also, with the weather getting colder, morning runs are a lot harder for a five year old!
    Ashlyn had an awesome first cross country season.  She more than exceeded my expectations of how much she could run.  Out of all the kindergarten girls, she ran the most laps.  Between races and practice, Ashlyn ran about 23 miles!!!! I am so proud of her.  Not many 5 year olds can say they have ran 23 miles in two short months.  Her season was full of fun and lots of hard work and determination.  I think she definitely learned some very important skills.  She is ready to take a break now and looks forward to next year.     
     She will be starting dance club next which she is also really excited about.  She loves to dance and gets to learn all sorts of new dances.  The nicest part is that this club is all indoors!

Uncle Steven and Ashlyn before the race

Lots of runners.  What a beautiful backdrop!

And they were off!

Ashlyn towards the end of the race.  My brother was working on having her out kick runners at the end.  She got pretty good at it. 

Our little runner girl

Always smiling

Ahslyn's running coach encouraged the team to make posters for the other teams that attended the meet.  Ashlyn made this one and she was very proud of it hanging on the gym wall.