I had to write about the awesome day we had yesterday with the kids. It all started with me debating whether I should run a race or not. The race was at the Chateau Versailles and they had a 15k, 8k, 3k for teenagers and 400M for kids. For those of you who know me really well, you know I often sit debating things forever and then finally make a decision. Well late Saturday afternoon I decided to run the 8k. I could run the 15k but was in no shape to race it, so I decided to do the 8k. I also signed both Lance and Peyton up for the 400M.
Running races in France is not the easiest thing, you must have a written note from a doctor for medical clearance. This is for every race. Luckily I had taken care of that weeks ago but reading the instructions the kids also needed medical clearance. I just figured it was a typo. What doctor is going to write a child a note for road races.
We woke up that day, facing the normal challenges of getting kids dressed and out the door. We took the train to Versaiille and proceeded to look for where to pick up our race numbers. Now remember everyone is speaking French here. We managd to have one guy tell us in broken English that we were out of luck and no race numbers were being handed out because you were supposed to pick them up the day before. However, we didn't give up. We have learned if you ask the same question twice you will likely get a different answer. So we did and we found where to get our numbers. The gentleman collected my doctor clearance and asked for the children's. I looked at him with a "are you crazy look" and he just gave me their numbers without the doctor clearance. Yeah.. first accomplishment of the day, numbers.
My race was first and I did really well. It was a beautiful race around the gardens and on some single track trails and I won some great prizes.
At the start line.. We were all turned the other way looking at the jazzercise going on.
Me and my little guy...post race.
The kids had a blast. While waiting for their race we saw jesters on stilts, a knight doing all kinds of tricks with fire and the kids also just enjoyed the canal while feeding the fish and ducks.
The Jesters on stilts. Lance was loving them.
It was now race time for the kids. Prior to all the races there were exercise woman doing Jazzercise so the kids wanted to do the same before theirs. They were so funny and so excited. Lance was ready to go fast! Peyton was going to run as long as the guys on stilts and the knight weren't around . There were so many kids , it was so cute to see all of them running (there were many heats).
kids getting ready!
Peyton at the start line with Daddy.
They both did great, Lance ran his little heart out. See the picture, my boy has great form. Keith ran with Peyton the whole way and he said she just kept going as fast as she could. I just loved watching them run thru the finish line. What I was so happy to see is that in this race they had them go thru the finish line area, get their medals, collect their food bag and then prizes (a new book). It was just like a grown up race and they felt it. They were so happy to take part in the day. I am so glad I signed them up.
This day wasn't about me doing my race but it was about how much fun the kids had and how they enjoyed the fun of fitness as much as Keith and I do.
It was a great day!!!
Lance racing hard!
Look at that form!
Here comes Peyton and Keith!
THe kids getting their goodie bags!
We got medals!
Enjoying some ice cream after a good race.
...and someone else enjoying a nap.
