Running in the rain

One day in the spring, I received a note from Teyah's kindergarten teacher telling me that she was very worried that I had lost the 'Run Club' form, and that she really wanted to do the club. Since Teyah doesn't ask for much, I made sure to find the form and allow her to participate. Teyah loved the club and on her own put herself into a difficult running group designed for older kids. We were pleasantly surprised by her passion to push herself as a runner! This girl is determined when she sets her mind to something! 

I asked Aubrie if she would also join the club with her to help keep an eye on her. She delightfully agreed.

The club is designed to prepare the kids for the school's 5K. But much to our dismay, on the day of the big run, it rained buckets! Because of Teyah's sensory struggles, I thought for sure she would back down because being wet and uncomfortable is extra miserable for her (just to put it into perspective, just lightly spraying her hair with a spray bottle to style her hair causes a fit!). But, as difficult as it was for her being wet, she was determined! 

Before the 5K started, the school had a mile fun run for kids who didn't want to do the full 5K. Teyah was adamant that she run that. So, she did -- the whole thing without stopping -- and so did Aubrie. Immediately following, it was lineup time for the 5K and they both wanted to still do it--even after running the mile! So, off we went in the rain. Aubrie ran ahead. I held Teyah's hand the whole way. She wanted to run fast in the beginning, although I tried to teach her about pacing. But halfway through, she ran out of gas. She started to say, "This is 'bowing' (boring) Mommy." She started to lose her determination until one of her friends ran up behind us. This re-energized her, and she started to run again. She pressed on and finished in about 42 minutes! I was amazed at her determination to not quit! Teyah has had some physical struggles over the years with strength, balance, and fatigue and as a result has received Physical and Occupational Therapy. I was astonished that she was the first kindergartner girl across the finish line! It was one of my most proud moments as a mom -- and one I will never forget. As soon as we were done, the wet clothes began to truly aggravate her, and we went home for a warm bath. What Teyah conquered that day was simply inspiring!

Even my clothes were so waterlogged, they were falling off of me because they were so heavy, and every step was a squish in the tennis shoes.

And, if that wasn't enough, when we crossed the finish line, we discovered on the leader board that Aubrie had finished as the fastest girl in her school! Not bad, for just doing it to help keep an eye on her baby sister! I have never been so proud of my kiddos!! Way to go Aubrie!!