Main Street Mile

Each year, the Westminster Road Runners Club, sponsors the Main Street Mile, a one-mile run down Main Street in the heart of Westminster. This year, Casey joined the new running club that met after school starting in early March. They learned about stretching and participated in games and activities that made running fun (in addition to the laps they ran). She was raring to go for the Main Street Mile last Wednesday evening. Not to be outdone by her big sister, Emma, too, was anxious to run the mile as well. We were fortunate that my wonderful in-laws were able to come out and enjoy the evening with us too. The weather was beautiful!



The plan was for me to run with Casey (so I could sprint ahead at the end and take her picture crossing the finish line), Chris to run with Emma (because surely she'd have to be carried at some point), and Bill and Kathleen to walk with Jacob in the stroller. Then, we'd all meet up at the end. Sounded good. (Mind you, we parked at the end of the race and walked the mile to the start. I didn't think it was a good sign when Emma complained a bit about being tired walking up to the starting spot.)


We saw lots of friends and neighbors at the race as well. Casey's school had the most kids participating out of any other school by more than 30 (they had 114 registered kids, I think)- go William Winchester Elementary!


When the race began, Casey ran at a consistent pace with her friend, Molly. I kept pace with the girls and Chris and Emma were just a tad behind us. It seemed as if Emma alternated between sprinting/running and a bit of walking (but never for too long- she really wanted to keep up with the big girls). Casey's goal was to run the whole mile without slowing to walk.


First we came to the 1/4 mile marker- still going strong. Then, the 1/2 mile marker- going strong but having some leg "tightness". Then, the 3/4 mile marker- still going. And, wouldn't you know it, right about this time, streaking by us goes Emma and Chris. Emma was unstoppable! I had to run and catch up to give Chris the camera so he'd be ready at the finish line! Emma finished in about 12 minutes and Casey at about 12:20 (it was hard to know for sure because they started toward the back of the pack so the time wasn't completely accurate for them). Emma was first to finish (in our family) and Casey met her goal of running the whole mile! Way to go, girls! I was so proud of them!



We finished off the evening with some ice cream sandwiches at the fire station with all of the other race participants. The girls are already talking about doing it again next year!