Why I love running

I am not a runner. 

But I love running. 

I love the people and community of runners, and once I share a story about this little girl I'm sure you will understand why. 

Pierce ran his last race for the fall season on Sunday.

As with all his races, there was plenty of time to kill.

Seems there is always a lot of standing around to accomplish before every race.

But the kids don't mind it, they just enjoy being together.

Can you spot P?

Front and center.

Always out the gate with a bang!

As soon as he's out of sight we scurry on over and wait to see his face.

His PAINED face.

Poor thing got a side stitch.

I'm not sure what causes them, but I think it has something to do with his breathing.

 But despite the pain he pushed through to the end.

And no side stitch will keep him from a piece of pizza!

His coach was great and I am so happy he decided to give running as a sport a try.

Because what I've learned about running is what a supportive sport it is.

You can always count on other runners and their families to cheer you through.

And this last race was no different.

We all lined up waiting for a special little girl to make her way through.

I stood by this little girl as she started out her race and I listened to her tell her daddy "I can't do this, this is hard." Her daddy firmly but sweetly told her, "you can do this, come on." The mom in me wanted to help her, but her dad knew better, because she did do it.  She did the entire race with her sweet daddy by her side.

At the end of the race her dad became emotional, and well, you know I did too...

It was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed.

Her dad stepped to the side and let her have her moment at the finish line, alone.

The crowd clapped, screamed, and cheered this little girl through.

And that is why I love running.