T 9k Run!

We awoke on race day

to cool, cloudy weather.

We were up early,

drove to the Boulder Reservoir....

and Big Guy was ready for a nap.

He was grumpy, tired

and overwhelmed.

I told him I would take Sean instead if he didn't want to go.

We took some pre-race pics

while warming up (literally!)

I forget how much he really dislikes crowds.

At home he never stops talking,

but as soon as we are surrounded by masses

of people,

he goes into a shell.

I tried to be understanding,

and followed his lead.

But I was really hoping he would go with me!

Sure enough,

after hitting the ice cream samples,

he perked up

and was ready to roll!

He ran lots,

I even made him rest

when he really didn't want to.

The weather warmed up,

even too hot at times,

and the scenery was beautiful.

He learned to love having all the people around,

because they all complemented

his strength

and agility.

Almost to the finish!

6.1 miles,

1 hour 36 minutes!

Even with stopping for snacks, rock throwing

and picture taking.

As we ran through the finish

I kept telling him

how proud

I was

of him.

He did awesome!

I jumped up and down for him....

"YOU DID IT!!!"

His face lit up

with a smile so big,

it melted my heart.

Baby and Daddy

were worn out from all the cheering!

Even after the race,

he still had enough energy

to begin training

for next year.

Then came the bounce obstacle course.

He begged and begged.

So we went...

he got terrified

(I don't blame him,

I almost didn't make it over this wall)

got off,

then back on for the tunnel and slide.

Practicing for next year

when we run

and take Sean!

Thankful for my

super handsome cheering squad!

More to come.....

what did he like best about the race?

love, the rockinryans