May found me doing 2 half marathons, the Orange County Half at the beginning of the month and the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll at the end of the month.
But what made this month so special for me was my grandson, Will.
Will has decided he wants to do the LA Marathon with me next year. So we are starting our training to that goal.
Over Memorial Day weekend, he ran twice and then followed it up with 2 days of running during the week.
Will after his first 6 mile training run.
The next weekend was the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K and Half Marathon. We were signed up to do both races.
Will at his corral for the 5K.
Will ran the 5K in about 30 minutes and I’m sure he would have finished with a better time if he didn’t have problems with his hydration belt. We solved that problem after the race.
Will and I after we finished the 5K.
Though I am proud that he ran the 5K in such a stunning manner, it was the half that I am most proud and inspired by him.
Mac, BJ, Will and I before the half.
After starting the race with his dad, he took off at around mile 1 to run it by himself.
Everyone knows how hard it is to stay focused when you are running but especially when you are running 13.1 and have never done it before. All sorts of doubts come into your head, you get distracted, and you, or at least for me, get bored with it all. That is one of the reasons it is so great to run with others.
But Will ran the half by himself, stayed focused and finished it in 2:11! An amazing time for someone who hasn’t trained to do this.
Beaming Will and his dad after the half.
Maybe it is just being young, youthful, and not knowing better, but I couldn’t be prouder of Will and his accomplishment.