5K Run for Autism - April 17, 2010

Well It took us about a month or so after my half marathon to get James all set up for running. He needed some decent running shoes, running shorts and all that fun stuff. I didn't really know what to expect as far as how he would do. I knew he could do it, I just didn't really know what to expect with James being a "runner."

James has always been very athletic. He played soccer his whole life and also was really into competitive beach volleyball when I met him. He went through phases where he spent lots of time serious training at the gym too. He has always been good at everthing. Running proved to be no different....

James tried out a few easy runs, then even kept up with me on a few long runs. He even went on a 12 mile run with me after only a few weeks of running. We were both all excited about our new activity that we could do together! We decided to look into doing some local races.

We signed up for a 5k on April 17th. It was down at Southwood and was a run to benefit the Autism project at FSU. It was a smaller race, about 280 people. We just kind of went out there to see how we would do and what a local 5K was like. It was a road race so James pushed the boys in the stroller. James finished in 23:43. I finished in 25:29. James time was a little slow because he had the stroller, but mine was a pretty average time for me.

We were hooked after doing this race. They are so much fun! James quickly learned he could go much faster and his times just kept improving! We have been doing quite a few other races and James' time still keeps getting better! If he improves his speed just slightly he could be winning some of these races. Thats why I joke with him... if people knew you just started running, they would hate you! :)

I'm jealous of his natural ability to run, but I am very proud too!

We also joined a local track club. They have a cool website that have all of the events coming up, race results and all other kinds of useful information. One of the really cool things is there are a few photographers in the club that go to most of these events. They take pictures and then post them all on their website. It has been fun to go find our pictures after events! So that being said... any of the race photos I post were probably not taken by us, but one of the great photographers from the club! Below is a picture that was taken of James during his first 5k!