For once, Momma was running more than errands

I actually did it. I didn’t think I would – or could – but I actually did it. I ran a 10K at the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. My time wasn’t that great, but it was a great experience.

The weather held out that morning, just a continual mist in the air, and we weren’t subjected to massive thunderstorms as I had earlier dreaded. It wasn’t until later on that I learned it was actually great running weather.

As I ran through Downtown Cleveland, east along Superior Avenue and back to Cleveland Browns Stadium via St. Clair Avenue, it was apparent that many of the runners had great support. No, not the support from comfortable running shoes: great support from their families. Every couple of blocks, I saw signs of support from family and friends. But it was the signs from the kids – “Go Mom Go!” and “Yay Dad!” squiggly bubble letters drawn with colorful markers – that really stood out.

As parents, we spend countless hours supporting our kids no matter what they do. It was so nice to see the kids rooting on mom and dad. My daughter wasn’t there, but as I ran I could hear her sweet little voice in my head and her emotional hugs in my heart.

Run with your child!

The Brecksville Home Days Run, a 5K race and one-mile family run, is Sunday, June 26. The race begins and ends near the Brecksville Community Center.

For kids running the 5K, there are prizes for the top finishers in the 8 and under, 8-14 and 15-19 age categories; there are prizes for adults, too. All proceeds from this event benefit Run 4 UR Life and the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Organization, so lace up your sneakers and support our city as well as a good cause.

More information about this event is available online or by calling Hermes Sports & Events at 216-623-9933.