Girls on the Run: an Impromptu 5k

Not only do I love running, but I love supporting other runners! So when a former student's parent told me her daughter was running her first 5K I knew I had to be there. Layevska was planning on running the Girls on the Run event at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. It was just under an hour drive to get there and parked. Spectating is fun and I wore running clothes and a jacket because I knew rain was a big possibility. Once I was parked, Mrs. Molina Limas and I  messaged back and forth to coordinate a meet up. I saw her, her husband, and two younger girls first. Layevska rode with her girls on the run teammates on the bus. Mrs. Molina Limas was dressed to run her first 5k! I was so happy to see her. We hugged and she said that it was great that I was going to be there right along with Layevska. I quickly realized I was wanted as a runner!!!! How cool is that?! I didn't want to take away from her first 5k by joining in, but that is exactly the way I could best support.

Luckily the race had race day registration (that wasn't cash only)! It worked out perfectly, within 5 minutes I was registered, bibbed, and ready to go. We found the girls in the holding area. I was greeted with a huge smile and hug. With about 10 minutes to go we had plenty of time for a pre-race photo and chat. She was a little nervous but in awesome spirits. I asked her what her goal was: to run the whole thing! (oh yea.... we got this)

As we moved up to the starting line, the sky stared growing darker. We knew rain was coming but didn't know how much. Layevska and I were planning on running the whole race and Mrs. Molina Limas gave us her blessing to do just that! She was going to go her own pace and finish her first 5k too.

After a little pre-race warm up, we were sent on our way. We all three started off together, but Layevska was ready to run. We were quickly passing people and setting a good pace. There was a quick little section that was an out and back. That was nice because we could cheer on her mom. I told Layevska wow... your mom looks great. She's running her first 5k. She quickly responded with "she's really strong. She'll do it!"
I was smiling from that moment on.

The rain came within the first 1/2 mile. First just little sprinkles but soon was a full on rain. We chitchatted and ran steady to the first aid station. Grabbed some water and kept moving. We had a goal to accomplish. The rain was really coming down but Layevska's spirits were up. She was so happy to be out running. I kept looking over at her and filling up with joy to see her doing so well. The rain however was making her beautiful tutu heavy. She decided to take it off and so I grabbed it from her to lighten her load.

The route was one loop around the Chicagoland Speedway. Before I even realized we were at mile 2 and on the back side of the building. I knew this race would go by too quickly! With only a mile to go, Layevska started picking up speed. She was looking for holes to pass others and running really well. If she was tired, nobody knew! She was on it! We came into the finish shoot just as they were announcing "the event is cancelled... seek shelter now"

We quickly got under the picnic shelter and waited for her mom to cross the finish line. She came in shortly after.... also all smiles!!! Not only did they finish their first 5K.... they did it in a monsoon. Now that is what I call bragging rights.

I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to share in this special experience. This is what I want more of in life. To help, to encourage others to be courageous, to smile in the rain and on the run, and to say yes to life! I only hope I stay open to the experiences and opportunities that are heading my way. 

Huge thank you to Mrs. Molina Limas for allowing me to take part in this event with her beautiful daughter Layevska..... and her hubby for holding all my things!

Layevska: it was an absolute joy to be your teacher many years ago... I am so thankful to see you now; a wonderful growing girl that is setting goals and smashing them! Keep it up. I am so proud of you!