Cinco De Mayo Trail Run

Yesterday (even though today is the 5th of May) we participated in the Cinco de Mayo Trail Run.  It was a fundraiser for a foundation that raises money for Jackie's elementary school (where her pre-school is).  This is the first time we have done an activity like this together.  And frankly, maybe only the second time I have done any kind of marathon type activity.

Jackie and I fueled our bodies with smoothies, put on some comfy clothes and sunscreen, and headed to Lake Poway.  We were getting there kind of late because we were only participating in the Ages 7 and under 1/3 mile race.  Yes, We.  I signed up to do the kids race with her because I knew she wouldn't like the idea of doing it by herself.  There were already lots of people there - finishing their 5K's and 10K's!  Jackie got a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing and there were definitely tears.  It's been a long time since she's gotten so upset about doing something new and unfamiliar.  But I insisted that we were still doing it, not going home, and that it really wasn't a big deal.  Fortunately we soon saw some friends from the preschool class and Jackie started to feel more comfortable and excited.

Proud of her race number

Jackie, Gabriela, Jordan

Hanging out before the race.  The girls were tackling me and knocking me over and beating me up!

Jackie and Jordan at the starting line

 And they're off!  They started with a run through a parking lot area.  At first Jackie insisted on holding my hand.  But soon she got confident, let go and really ran for it.

 She passed up her friends Jordan, Gabriela and Zeal as she powered through the parking lot and onto the trail part.  I just tried to keep up and take photos.  I was saddened by how out of shape I really am.  Ha!

 And then as I tried to run up in front of her to take some photos from the front.... she fell.  Knees first, hands out in front, face down.  Not good.  She was really scraped up and in tears.  I picked her up and held her for a while, as her friends ran past.  We walked for a little ways with me holding her, but then we reached the up hill end of the race and I knew I couldn't carry her up.  So she got down and we walked.  As we got closer to the finish line Jordan's mom was cheering us on and encouraged Jackie to finish and get her Otter Pop.  That was just the inspiration she needed to charge up the rest of the hill, bloody knees and all.  She finished strong and proud.  But I learned that next year I will insist on her wearing leggings to protect those knees!

 It's all about the Otter Pop and the ribbon

 Check out these war wounds

 We went to first aid, just for the fun of it

It was a great experience and I think Jackie is a really great runner (despite the clumsy fall).  I should encourage her to run more.... and my lazy but needs the cardio exercise too!  It's so fun having a 4 year old!!!