We are C25K graduates!

We can all run 30 minutes...nonstop...in the Florida summer....in the high 80s and low 90s..where the
dew point is over 70....where the humidity makes it feel like 100 degrees.  Just imagine how strong and capable they will be in a few months when the humidity takes a break! Their body can actually work at running faster, rather than exerting all of this wasted energy on just keeping the body cooled! Just imagine at the end of November when their speed will be about 1-2 minutes/mile faster than it is right now...yes, thats the difference that we can expect!    Just imagine that when we sweat, the sweat will actually evaporate...oh its the little things!

We have inched our way from 1 minute running intervals (with 2 minutes walking) to 30 minutes nonstop.  This is quite the accomplishment!  I am so proud of these kids!  I really assumed that this was be torturous to get them up to this level, and I swear I thought that I would have to bribe them or kick myself along the way.  But, they were agreeable!  While not always thrilled...this has definitely become a nice routine for us.  We get to do something together, which has been great.  And, I get their ear.  They can't avoid me for those uncomfortable talks.  We talk about everything...and since there is no eye contact, we avoid the uncomfortable face, especially when talking about puberty or friends issues or school problems.  Mom is not intruding on a subject, but rather we are equals when we are together pounding the pavement.

So, whats the next goal?  Of course, we need to complete the 5k tomorrow.  While I do have a "45 minute" goal in my head (after all, we have never run 3 miles straight together), I just hope that they are proud to FINISH the race!  While most will be ahead of them, I don't think they will come in last. There is ALWAYS someone who finishes in an hour :)  And while this race caters to the local running community and high school track runners, there are always a few novices out there, so the kids won't be alone.

So, there is a 1-mile race next month...but there is also a 5k color run next month (same day)...and there is a 5k in November nearby as well, that will be a smaller race like the one tomorrow.  Once race a month would be great though Florida's race season...let's see if we can keep that up!