"Mom, I Am A Runner."
Today was a big day for my son. On his training plan, it was his first real road race. We choose the annual 2 mile/5K Independence Day run/walk in our hometown. It's a small race, 21 years strong, that kicks off the 4th of July celebration for the next week.
He was so excited to do the race! He was a big bundle of energy, ready to run!
As his mom, I was a little nervous if he was going to be able to do the full 2 miles. In the last four weeks since he got off his cast and boot after foot surgery, it has be
en tough to get his leg strength back. But he hasn't complained much and he keeps trying - so we keep moving forward. We had worked up to about 1 1/2 miles on the walk/run plan so this would be a PR for him in distance and time.
I reminded him over and over that no matter what, we would stay the course with our plan. We would run our run. Race our race. We were going to walk and run, with a bit more emphasis on the walk side. It was good he heard it and agreed with it because it was a really fast field and we found ourselves escorted by the sag wagon/ambulance after about a half a mile. I thought it might discourage him, but he just looked back and said, "Look mom, we are in front of 4 runners." My response..."ummm, no.. we are last (smile)." "No, see our shadows are behind us and there are 2 guys in the ambulance - see we aren't last." I like his logic about the shadows and made a mental note to remember that next time.
After 2 long miles of walk/run we crossed the finish line. He was so excited, he threw his arms up, gave a big "whoot!", and had the biggest smile. And me? I did my best not to cry like a baby. I am so proud of what he has done!
As we walked to the water, he stopped and turned to me and said very matter-of-factly but happily,
"Mom, I am now a runner."
And I am thinking to myself, "don't cry, don't cry". We take a few more steps and he turns back and says,
"You know, running and crossing the finish line felt so good, like the best feeling ever. I know why people run."
More tearing up from me. 
When his sister saw him she immediately asked, "Tucker, did you win your race?". His response, "Of course I won - I finished." That's my boy! Bring honor to all those brave enough to run a race and finish last. This makes my 4th race that I have finished last and the one I am most proud.
His race and spirit was a good reminder of what running is all about - it's about trying, it's about pushing yourself, it's about finishing what you started, and last but not least, it is about enjoying your running moments.
And good luck to all the runners in Wee Little's Virtual 5K race! All are runners who are doing their first 5K as they graduate from the Couch to 5K program. You are all winners!
What a great race and an excellent story! I LOVE how he said "Of course I won - I finished." Please thank your son for me. He has just reminded me that running is not about winning - it's about enjoying the race. :)
Posted by: Running Knitter | June 28, 2008 at 12:57 PM
What an outstanding story, and better yet, what an outstanding young man. From one runner to another.. I am am proud of your enthusiasm, outlook, and perseverance! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Running Hoosier | June 28, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Congrats to both of you on finishing the race. That was such a great story to read. I'm glad your son has such a positive attitude about running and isn't worried about where he finishes in the pack! Must be a sign that Mom has taught him well!
Posted by: Jess | June 28, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Congrats to both of you. This is a fantastic story.
Posted by: Kitzzy | June 28, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Wonderful race report! Congratulations to you both!
*passes the box of tissue*
Posted by: Irene | June 28, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Somebody get that kid a bracelet! He's a runner now! I'm so happy for both of you.
I liked the thing about the shadows, but what if the sun is behind you?
Posted by: Ben C | June 28, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Geesh you had me almost tearing up too :-)
Your son sounds like an Ultra-Runner in the making ... what a GREAT Attitude...
HERE: But he hasn't complained much and he keeps trying - so we keep moving forward.
and HERE: "No, see our shadows are behind us and there are 2 guys in the ambulance - see we aren't last."
Man what a stud, You go Boy & KEEP On training,,,
and YES YOU ARE A RUNNER & a BIG WINNER !!!!!!
Posted by: Bob Gentile | June 28, 2008 at 07:01 PM
That's a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing.
I always cheer on the younger runners - they seem so serious.
Posted by: kara | June 28, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Fantastic work, Tucker! You do us all proud! I predict that this is just the first in a long line of great races. Keep up the excellent work AND that fabulous attitude!
Great job, both of you!
:)
Posted by: Kirsten D. | June 28, 2008 at 09:15 PM
What a fantastic story. This is why we all run, with the hope we can encourage others young and old to lace up their shoes and hit the road.
Great stuff!
Posted by: Lisa | June 29, 2008 at 07:39 AM
OHHHHH AMY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so happy. After everything he has gone through and thinking that your feet just hurting was normal.... what a feeling for a mom. It's been a long haul. The payoff is finally here.
CONGRATS BUDDY!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Nancy | June 29, 2008 at 11:10 PM
What an amazing accomplishment after all he's been through.
Amy, you ought to be so proud like all of us are for Tucker and you.
I predict there will be no limit to what Tucker can do in life.
And isn't that just like Bob to see ultra possibilities after the first race...
Posted by: Tom | June 30, 2008 at 06:15 AM
Congratulations to your son!
He's got a fantastic attitude, certainly you've rubbed off a bit on him!
Posted by: merrymishaps | June 30, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I'm a little slow on finally reading this entry, but wow. I don't have children of my own, but you have certainly inspired me to start raisng a pack of runners. I would be a teary mess if I was in your shoes.
Posted by: sRod | July 01, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Congratulations! Sometimes it's amazing how such insight and inspiration can come from someone so young :)
Posted by: Laura | July 01, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Sure, just one more way to bring Grandma to tears. Congrats, Tucker, I know how determined you were to run and had no doubts that you would do your best. Good going, Mom,shed those tears, lots of pride going there for both of you!!!
Posted by: Mom Hunold | July 02, 2008 at 11:29 AM
When his sister saw him she immediately asked, "Tucker, did you win your race?". His response, "Of course I won - I finished." That's my boy! Bring honor to all those brave enough to run a race and finish last. This makes my 4th race that I have finished last and the one I am most proud.
His race and spirit was a good reminder of what running is all about - it's about trying, it's about pushing yourself, it's about finishing what you started, and last but not least, it is about enjoying your running moments.
Oh, wow. This was such a great post. As a last finisher in my first 5K race last week, I especially appreciate these sentiments. I remember how scared I was to come in last, but once it happened I didn't care one bit -- I was just thrilled that I was able to finish, and proud that I was able to gather the courage enough to start in the first place.
Congrats to you and Tucker!
Posted by: Amy/radiosilents | July 03, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Oh, Amy, you must be so proud of him. Not only that he was able to finish the race after being in a cast for so long, but that he had such an amazing attitude about it. That finish was much harder and more special for him than for whatever kid from Kenya won it.
Welcome to the family, Tucker: YOU ARE A RUNNER!
Posted by: Betsy | July 09, 2008 at 02:49 PM