Race Day!

Today was my 4 yo first race. He decided that he wanted to run with his friends who just happened to be a few years older. The race that his friends were running was the 1 mile run. I was a bit nervous as he has been known lately to break down and cry when he looses. I talked with him before hand and even though he was determined to be "the fastest and beat everyone" we talked about how its about finishing and that it is winning if you can just finish! I went in to wake him up this morning to get ready and he woke with a stretch and said "I cant wait" We walked into the racing area and we were approached by a woman asking if W. wanted his face painted. He climbed right up and got spiderman and I think that pumped him up even more for his race! P. was feeling a bit left out but I didnt think a 2 yo could make the whole mile and I had visions and carrying him the last half mile. As the kids were all lining up P. asked me if it was time. I told him yes and he took off running through the finish line and missed all the kids starting. He then took off running down the road and was very seriously trying to catch up with everyone. I had to go chase him down and of course carry him back. The whole race went faster then I though (W. was running with his friends and their parents) and soon enough here they came running! W. was so cute with his hair pouf all bouncing as he ran and a look of determination as he ran. He finished with a time of 12:44... Not bad for 4 yo! Not a tear on his face that he hadnt beat everyone and such a satisfaction of accomplishing it! He has since told everyone that he has seen what he did and how amazing and fun it was!