Our first run as a family

So…as you know I’ve been running these days. I originally planned to run the Oklahoma Orphan Run 5k this past Saturday….but I decided to do the 1 mile fun run instead. I debated it over and over up until the day of the run. My older boys wanted to run with me, but they were nervous about a 5k since they’ve never been in a race before. As much as I actually wanted to do the 5k, I really wanted to run with the boys.

The race was put on by Matthew Benjamin, a local 14 year old. This was the very first race he coordinated. He was told if he got 100 runners signed up for his first race, to count it a success. He had over 1,000 runners. The race raised $100,000+ and benefited children in need both locally and globally. Runners brought items for local children in foster care – 6 truckloads worth of items. Matthew will be taking the local children’s shelter director on a shopping spree for ‘wish list’ items….and the race will provide much needed assistance to children internationally that do not have parents to provide for them. It was an honor to be a part of the race.

I really wanted the older boys to see Matthew in action behind his bullhorn directing things. I told them stories about Matthew….I cherish that my boys can hear and see true role models.

Chris decided to run with the little two in the stroller…making it our first run as a family. I woke up to an iced coffee – proper race day beverage I am sure. Chris also bought roses in honor of our Little One. We headed to the race and met up with friends. These boys were ready to run.

Part of the difficulty in my decision to do the fun run instead of the 5k was all the girls I’ve been training with were running the 5k. For my mom & two of my good friends, it was their very first 5k. They texted me before the race to let me know they’d be running in honor of the daughter I am longing to bring home. Blessed beyond measure.

The race started and the boys TOOK OFF.  They basically sprinted the entire mile. I wasn’t sure if my 6 year old would actually run the whole thing, but he was the first family member across the finish line. I don’t think I’ve run that fast since elementary school. The craziest thing was I could keep up with the boys and at the end never felt faint or even broke a sweat. It was the first time I realized how much my endurance has changed since I started running. It was a great feeling…too bad a 5k doesn’t feel that great. Maybe one day. Towards the end of the race my 4 year old wanted to run. It was so fun to run next him and watch him pick up speed the closer he got to the finish line. His little legs were moving FAST. I’m so proud of the boys.

We take the best family pictures….sun in the eyes, nose picking, awkward smile, looking away, niece sneaking in pic…you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.

Since we were up and at ’em, we headed over to a local library for the Asian-American festival. My youngest son really likes attack dancing with the lion.

And we ended the day with family…any day that ends with me holding my niece is a good day.

Oh…and my oldest bought himself a new favorite hat at the festival. He’s been wearing it all the time outside. He told me it is actually quite practical and useful. He is so my child.

He also now wants to run a 5k with me. Problem is I can’t find any in Oklahoma in July. I am running the Color Run 5k in June, but he is not interested in having paint thrown on him while running. He wants a ‘normal’ race. I guess the extreme heat doesn’t work so good for summer races here. Looks like I might have to keep up this running thing even after Little One gets home. If he is excited about it and wants to do it with me, well I am not hanging up my running shoes.