Blossom Trail Run

The Blossom Trail Run. This race occurs the first weekend in March each year, right when the valley is beginning to bud. We discovered this race after our move into the country and found it to be a fun kids' race with a neat family atmosphere.

This year the kids' all received a medal for participating instead of just a ribbon - made for really excited kids! They all did well and ran their races - and finished:). Some (Hannah, this year) surprise us with unexpected speed. Jon, the oldest and his last year, took 3rd and has developed a nice stride and calm pace. He seems built to run the 800 meters. Bekah always looks speedy. She moved from the 400 to the 800 this year and claims that the longer races aren't for her. It's hard to come in after your brother, even if he is older:). Hannah was the surprise, running neck to neck with a 9 year old and taking 2nd. She's got one more year in her division. Naomi was looking around more than running, but didn't seem to mind and stayed in the pack. Jael was the oldest in her division and ran in the right direction and hung in there for a top spot. I was wondering if she'd run in her skirt, hair bow and cowgirl boots. . .  Joey just ran (with Sarah) and finished the race without falling down or tears. He was so proud to receive a medal. I keep telling Josh and Sarah that the three of us are going to enter the 2 mile together one year. . .

I'm always amused on race day as I observe the antics. Parents pushing their little ones to get out there and run. Every year toddlers are left standing on the line in tears. Several only make it a few yards before falling. Some parents even pick up their kids and start running! As homeschoolers, it's fun to get out and enjoy some competition with peers. Most of my kids wonder and seem a bit anxious "what if I'm last?" "What if?" I say, always the caring parent. I encourage them, "As terrible as it sounds there are worse options. You could wet your pants or poop. You could trip and not get up. You could run the wrong way. You could sit and cry. And even as horrible as all those possibilities sound - God is bigger. God is stronger. God is real. God is here. God is always working for the good of those He has called." Their fears dissipate for another year as they conquer their anxieties, run their race and enjoy their rewards. While they might think the reward is the medal or the fun foods afterward, someday they might realize that the greater reward was their deepening faith in God's character in their risk.