Patrick's First 5K

For twenty eight minutes and some odd seconds today I was no longer a Cancer patient, instead I was a proud father running with a son in his first 5K race. I have run many races over the years, most of which I have forgotten but this will always hold a special spot in my mind and soul.

Patrick did great, knowing how to pace oneself is perhaps the most difficult aspect of running your first race and we almost “nailed it”. Our first mile started slow because of the crowd but once weaved through the masses we managed to log about a nine minute mile. Perhaps I pushed a little too hard, running the second next mile in eight and a half minutes. At two miles Patrick looked good and his breathing was well under control. With just under a mile to go we exited left the C&O canal running a hill through a series of switchbacks. We had covered more the half of the hill when Patrick felt a calf starting to cramp. We ending up using a fast walk to complete the hill the resumed our run to the finish.

As we crossed the finish line I grabbed Patrick’s hand and lifted it above our heads. I don't think I have ever purchased a race day photograph before, but, in this case, if the photographer caught the moment I'll be ordering one. It was just so awesome.

Sue, Maggie and a couple of Patrick’s' Shepherd classmates cheered us as we finished and Sue took the photograph of the two of us.

People have often asked me “Why Do You Run?”. Today I can add a new reason, “To Forget About Cancer”; having been blessed today for twenty eight minutes and some odd seconds with absolute forget-fullness.

Mike