The DeLorme Family: Ashlyn's Race

   Last Saturday, was Ashlyn's final race for cross country this year. This season was an amazing one and I can't get over how much she has grown as a runner. I honestly could not be more proud of her. Her practices were on Monday and Friday mornings. Since I'm not working this year, I was able to run with her at every practice. It was a great time that the two of us got to spend together. We would talk as we ran laps. I will really miss our practices. She would get in at least two miles at each practice. Her coach has them keep a running record of all of their laps. They get ribbons for 5 miles, 10 miles, etc. This year, Ashlyn earned her 26.2 sticker! I am so proud of her. This means that in just under two months, she ran 26.2 miles which is the equivalency to a marathon. Quite impressive for a 6 year old!
     All good things must come to an end, and the end of season was marked by a final race at her school. This race was the biggest race of the season and consisted of 5 schools. I knew the competition would be fierce with that many kids there. Ashlyn and I kept discussing it and we both felt that she could still get first place. She said she really wanted to get first, and I told her she was definitely capable. The morning of the race was perfect weather. When we got to her school is was packed with kids. I started to have my doubts. It's funny because I get so nervous for my own races and start to have a lot of self doubt before I run and it's always been detrimental to my performance. I hate that I am even that way before Ashlyn runs . Anyways, I did not tell Ashlyn that I had my doubts, and I kept on encouraging her and reminding her of all the tips we discussed.
     Before we knew it, all the kindergarten and first graders were lining up and there were a ton of them. They blew the whistle and they were off. The race went around the school and we couldn't see them for the majority of the race. We stood at the finish line and the whole time I was so nervous to see where she was. Boys came across the finish line first just like in most races. All of a sudden, I saw Ashlyn coming around the corner. She was the first girl!!!!! I could not believe it. I am getting teary eyed again just typing this. The girl in second was right behind her. I was yelling for her to finish strong. She finished strong and managed to get first place out of the girls!!! I could tell she ran her heart out because she was definitely more winded when she was done. My brother was amazed because he was watching her along the course and when he saw her go by she had a side stitch and was approaching a hill. He thought for sure she would start walking, but not our girl. She kept on running.
      I love that Ashlyn has embraced running the way that she has. It has done countless positive things for me in my life and it means so much to me to see my children taking on such a positive and healthy hobby. Ashlyn had a really fun season and that's the most important part to me. I wouldn't care if she came in last just as long as she had fun and stayed committed to finishing. I am so utterly proud of her and how hard she has worked this year.