A few months ago, after being drained by repetitive pleas from my 6 1/2 year old daughter to get a new pet, I finally told her that she could get one after she ran, and finished, her first 5K race. Knowing that she had never run more than 200 yds without begging to stop, I figured we had at least a few years before I would have to deliver the goods.

The day after our agreement, she woke up and immediately asked to go to the track to start training. We got there; she sized it up, and then asked,
"So, how many times do I have to run around this thing to finish a 5K?"
"13 times," I replied.
"Ugh".
After one walk lap and a 10-minute rest, she embarked on her second lap, which took about 4 minutes...and then another 15-minute rest. After four total laps (and about an hour later), she completed a full mile and was wiped out.

Fast forward to about three months later, April 19th 2008. Endurance Magazine was supporting a local race right down the street from our family's home, the aptly named "Wondergirl 5K". On the way to the race -- while being pushed in the double jogger because she was too tired to walk -- Sophie asked if she could run the race with her mom.

By nature, I am a pretty pragmatic person. And I had to all but bite my tongue to stop from pointing out the myriad of practical reasons why she probably wouldn't finish the race (for which she'd never trained). But she said she wanted to try - so I picked up my race bib, crossed out my name, and replaced it with hers. As she and her mom took off with the pack of over 1500 runners, her brother and I watched them keep a nice pace. They turned at the first corner, and we would not see them again until mile 2.5.

About 35 minutes later, in the distance, I spotted the only runner who dared to race in a summer dress and sandals. She looked uncomfortable, but not undetermined. And, just a few moments after that, Sophie and her mom finished their final turn and came running toward the finish line. I honestly couldn't believe it. With many more people far behind her, Sophie dug deep and ran the last quarter mile with pride beaming in all directions. Her previously exhausted brother jumped in and ran faster than I've ever seen -- with purpose - as he cleared the way down the finish chute to the cheers of all spectators.

And then, as she crossed the finish line, exhausted and yet with an amazing amount of energy left, she immediately looked up and asked, "Now (gasp) - can we go get my pet?"

First 5K - 6 years 6 months - In a time of 51 minutes 37 seconds. Wow!
Gear of choice: Sundress (two shoulder straps), mis-matched cotton socks, Keen Sport Sandals.
Hydrator: Water. Mostly dumped on her head. Like in the commercials.
Motto: "No pain. No pet."

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