A 5K with my favorite girl

M and I at her baptism in '04

In 30 days, I'll be traveling to Washington, DC to run with M in the Girls on the Run 5K. I can not begin to tell you how much this race means to me.

I first met M when she was six months old. Twice a week I'd travel to Stockbridge, GA to babysit M. while her mom taught class at a nearby college. I initially planned to work temporarily, but after spending one evening with that special baby girl I knew I'd do whatever I need to do to help out.

Christmas '07

Over the next couple of years, M and I would spend lots of time together, whether in Georgia (where I lived at the time) or visiting with my family for the holidays.

Fast forward to October....

I'm sitting at home when my phone rings. It's M. She and I chat about school and her extracurricular activites. She tells me about Girls on the Run and how she's running her first 5K. I smile broadly, because 1) I'm a GOTR coach and 2.) I'd love the opportunity to be her running buddy.

I asked what she thought about it, and she says "okay". She obviously has no clue how big of a deal this is for me. I helped teach her how to walk and now I get to run with her?!?  Be still my beating heart.

December 2nd at Anacostia Park will be a very exciting day! I'll definitely post an update afterwards.




Christmas 2010