My Runner Girl

I run, but I don't consider myself a runner. I'm not fast and I don't have that runner's physique. Whenever I run a race, I feel out of place amongst all those "real" runners. I think that some people are just born with a special something that makes them a good runner. I do not have it. My daughter Carolyn, on the other hand, does.

Over the last several weeks I have been training with Carolyn and four of her friends from church for a 5k. All of the girls worked so hard. During our practice runs, I would stay with the slower girls while Carolyn and a couple others ran ahead. I had no idea what kind of times she was getting.

They made their matching tye dye t-shirts to wear for the race.

Today was race day. I was near the back of the pack at the starting line and Carolyn and her friends were closer. After the race began I gradually passed her friends. I thought surely Carolyn would start walking sometime and I'd catch up to her. Turns out I never did catch up to her. She came in at 28:52, her PR by several minutes. I am still in shock at what an amazing time she got. I am so proud of her!

Now she has her sights set on the "So Long" run at school. They have it at the end of every year for the fifth graders. The top three boys and top three girls are awarded with a medal in front of the entire student body. With her determination and her mad running skills, I don't doubt that she'll be able to place in that race. I keep asking her and she keeps telling me that the parents don't come and watch, but if I can find out what time it is you better believe I'm going to be there to cheer on my baby!

(I also got my PR today, 29:51. I wanted to break 30 and I did it...barely!)

Molly Moo



Molly next to the cabbage she is growing for a school project

This year was the first time Molly got actual letter grades on her report card. I could tell she was nervous about this, as we had a few nights of her coming to my room in tears because she had a test the next day and there were some things she didn't understand. She has worked so hard all year. When she brought home her report card she had all A's and one B in writing. Even though I told her it was a great report card and I was so proud of her, she didn't want anyone to see it. Poor thing has always had to live in Carolyn's shadow. To say that Carolyn is an overachiever would be an understatement. Amongst all of her many accomplishments, she has always gotten straight A's. Molly felt bad about her one B because Carolyn has never gotten a B. With determination in her voice, Molly told me, "I think I can get straight A's next time." I am pleased to report that SHE DID IT! She brought home straight A's on her last report card! I'm so proud of her.