This is a horrible picture, I know, but in my defense, I was running when I took it, plus I had to take it with my not-so-great camera phone. Anyway, just in case you can't make it out - those two figures in front of me are Jack and Madi. Madi's in the pink shorts {of course...because that would just be weird otherwise}.
I took this picture because I wanted to remember this moment. It was a proud Momma moment. You see, back in the summer, Madi began running {for the first time} with me. I knew she was interested in running Cross Country and I wanted her to practice over the summer so that she would be prepared when the new school year started.
I don't think I was a very good couch, but I tried. I just didn't want her to hate running before the school year/cross country even started! By the end of the summer Madi was running just a little over a mile - maybe 1.3 miles, her technique wasn't very good and she was slower than me - which is pretty darn slow! Sorry Madi, but I'm going somewhere with this, I promise.
So, fast forward to this evening - five months later {that's how long it's been since the summer and since our last run together} and our girl is running laps around us! She's been running in Cross Country and I'd have to say - those coaches have truly transformed her into a much, much better runner. Her speed and technique are really good and she looks great; strong and relaxed.
When we started this run I just assumed that we would all stick together as a group. Ha! About a quarter of a mile in, Madi took off and, because Jack wasn't about to let his 14 year old daughter out run him, Jack picked up the pace and ran on ahead fo me too. Before he ran ahead however, I looked over at him and said tearfully {because I'm always super emotional - especially about my Madi girl growing up!}, "She's running so good! Her technique is awesome!" And he said - "I know, it's better than yours." Yeah, he said it, but since he was talking about our daughter, I let him live. ;) Madi ran a mile and a half before slowing and then finished the three mile run next to her Dad and I.
So, Madi's now a swimmer AND a runner! We'll have to see how long she can juggle the two sporting activities and still make good grades in school. I'm thinking she'll have to choose just one before she starts the 9th grade. Her school & athletics schedule is crazy now - I can't imagine how it will be when she gets to High School next year.
When I look at this picture, I will forever be reminded of how proud I felt watching Madi run tonight. I will also be reminded of her spirit and determination. She may not be {and may never be} the fastest runner on the Cross Country team, but she is always at practice {6:30am} and is at every meet trying her very best. She's tough, self-motivated and doesn't quit. She makes this Mom and Dad so very proud!
