Megan beat me. There, I said it!
At this year’s Freedom Run 5k, my 30-year-old daughter crossed the finish line in 25:22. I crossed in 25:25. She posted the evidence online with the kind of pride and playfulness only a former swimmer turned runner could pull off. “Photographic Evidence,” she said–with the finish line shot to prove it.
She wasn’t always a runner. She swam competitively for years, only really getting into running over the past 5 years (or so). And now here she is–finishing ahead of her dad in a holiday 5K. She’s strong, focused, and just starting to see what her legs can do. Here are a few shots of the start of the race, and she bolted out!
Even thinking prior to the race, she is looking at Sarah while I am taking the picture, wondering, I am sure, “how can I trip the ol man up?”
My really fast times are done. I’m 60. My personal best was once 15:50 (yes, really), and my wife, Sarah, my forever training partner, ran this year at 28:39, with her personal best around 21:30. Those days are long gone. We both found ourselves marveling at how time changes everything…how “time changes our times!”
But also how it deepens everything too.
This wasn’t just a race–it was a full circle moment. I used to be the one leading her. Guiding her. Telling her to “pace yourself”, or “don’t go out too fast” (who am I kidding, I still do!) Now I’m watching her grow into her own stride. Watching her pass me (if she didn’t jump out in front of me from the start!). And watching her smile while she does it.
Because what matters most?
That she’s running.
That she’s healthy.
That we’re doing this together.
My daughter and I might not match paces much longer. But I’ll show up every time I can. And I’ll celebrate every second–yes, even the 3 seconds she beat me by!
Sarah and I taught our kids well. We have been active and running since we met. Our kids saw it. Watched us. Ran with us. And we watched them run, or swim, growing up. That is how we support each other. Personal records fade. Finish lines change. But running together? That’s the real win! Here is to many more Megan! (We also spent the early part of June visiting our son Nick in the cities–and we ran with him every morning.) Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of newest streak: # 494