For the third year in a row, my Favorite Boy participated in the Country Music Kids' Marathon. Before the night of the race, the kids must run 25.2 miles. On the night of the event, they run the final mile. This is always a fun night for our family, and we always run into lots of friends. We were excited that Papa and Grammy were able to come as well. Papa has made it to the race all three years (once from CA, once from OH, and this year from their new home in TN). Grammy has made it for the last two. It was fun having them with us.

We decided to grab dinner on the way into downtown Nashville. We let my Best Girl choose the restaurant because she won our family's NCAA tournament bracket contest (it was a good year for winning the contest based on pure luck). My Best Girl decided on IHOP. Neither of my kids had ever eaten there before, but they are big pancake fans. I guess my Favorite Boy could say he carb-loaded before the big race.

We left IHOP and ended up in horrible traffic. I don't know what happened last night, but every interstate and back road was moving at a snail's pace. Although we left in plenty of time, we barely got to the stadium in time for my Favorite Boy to line up. The second grade boys from his school were at the front of the pack, so I was able to get some pictures right at the starting line.

My Best Girl was ready to cheer. She remembered that Papa had held her on his shoulders at previous races, but unfortunately for Papa, she has grown a lot in the last two years! (I wish I could link to the previous races, but I haven't gotten that far in my blog recovery process.)

And they're off!

Medal time! My Favorite Boy was excited that he ran the whole mile without walking. We missed having Jeff Fisher at the finish line this year (he was at the NFL draft). We heard Eddie George was there, but we didn't see him.

We had a great evening, and I am proud of my Favorite Boy for finishing the race. All my Best Girl cared about was getting one of the balloons at the event, and I am glad to say that she left happy as well.

Next year, my Best Girl will be old enough to participate. I told her that I will run with her if she wants to do it. I am glad that I can volunteer now. Before my recent running experiences, I would have let Dad fill that role. I guess 2011 will truly be an experience for the whole family!

Labels: My Favorite Boy