Sunday, May 10, 2009

Allow Me a Mother's Day Moment to Brag


I plan on writing more thoughts about my marathon on here later this week, but for now please allow me to brag about my sporty older daughter. Yesterday was a banner day for Phoebe. First we swam at my health club. I did laps while she played in the "training" pool. Then we headed over to the Doggie Dash, a 1.5-mile fun run that benefits the Oregon Humane Society. Phoebe's wonderful teacher from last year (and marathon cheerleader), Joanne, encourages her kids to do it.

I was there to help keep track of the yellow-bandanad kids as they dodged dogs and weaved among walkers. Before the start, I gave a quick talk to Phoebe's good friend Liza, a zealous runner, about not running too fast as it wasn't that kind of race. Turns out I was talking to the wrong girl. Phoebe took off like the rest of the kids, but I soon lost track of her in the crowd. About halfway, Joanne told me Phoebe was with the assistant teacher, Kelly. I had no clue where Kelly was so that didn't tell me anything, but I wasn't concerned. With about 400 meters left in the race, I spotted Phoebe at the head of the pack, and I had to turn on the gas to catch up with her. I realized she was intent on coming in first. No sense in reeling her in at that point, so I cut a corner to get a photo of her crossing the finish line. She finished flushed and proud. I was stunned she had come in first out of her chums and, I'll admit it, I was proud of her because she'd poured her heart into the run.

As we drove to the third event in her unusual triathlon--her final spring league soccer game--I asked her if she'd planned on running so fast. She responded very intently, "I didn't have a plan, Mom."

Phoebe was on the attack at her soccer game, as usual, once again scoring five goals. While I was incredibly proud of her prowess, what I loved best was the exuberant arm pumps and jumps she did every time she scored. All in all, the day was a great Mother's Day gift.
-SBS

7 comments:

Kate said...

How wonderful and funny at the same time - because I just bragged about my mom instead of whining about my race!

Carolina John said...

very cool sbs! having such active kids keeps us young and vibrant too.

fastgrrrl said...

She takes after her mom, SBS!

Thompson Family said...

I need your help! So I just got accepted into the St George Marathon and am planning on starting the Hal Higdon novice program in 3 weeks. Is this a good one? Can I switch it around so that the long runs are still on Sat. but Sun. is my rest day? Any other advice for a first timer? I am starting to freak out;) Thanks, and I love the blog! (asht605@yahoo.com)

monicak said...

How awesome! I look forward to when my little ones start doing their own races!

marybob143@aol.com said...

I love it, Sarah!!! What a little athlete!!! I love sporty girls; aren't they great??? She certainly has her very own awesome personal trainer who resides at the very same address!!! :)

marybob143@aol.com said...

Oh, and that look of intensity is so worth a thousand words!!!! What a keeper that picture is!!!!