The run

It is fall Cross Country Running time here in Ontario. The grade 1-5 classes have been practicing - Galen before school, much to his dislike since it requires getting up early. Ray has been practicing at lunch. They had their school race last week and both placed well.

Ray, to my surprise, loved the running and placed 5th or 6th (depending on which parent she spoke to). The uncertainty in her placement is lost when you ask about how she placed compared to the girls (boys and girls run together in grade 1 and 2). There was only 1 girl ahead of her. Her attitude was typical Ray. "All my friends are complaining that the race is too long. I don't know what they are talking about. It is fine!" (visualize eye roll and look of disgust). Quite the little competitor this year. In soccer too, she was right in there. So it seems, our daughter has found a love of sports. Yippee!

Galen has been working very hard because in his grades, the top 12 go on to the regional race. Since grade 3, he has just missed that goal, hovering in the top 15 but just out of the top 12. This year? He was 11. Yesterday was the race at a local conservation area. Galen ran his heart out and placed 61 out of a pool of over 150 kids. He was in the top half of the pack the whole way and did great. He is becoming super competitive and wanted a top 30 finish. Not quite there but luckily, his competitiveness is balanced. He had fun, ran well, and ran hard. Satisfaction can be had, even when you don't get the result you desired. I love the attitude. The chocolate milk, provided by a friend's parent, at the end of the race, the football game after with the boys, the half day from school, and money from dad for the concession stand (slushies and bubblegum) were adequate enough to provide a great day for G! Best of all? I got to watch and cheer.