Summer Track Meets

During the month of June, the local parks & recreation department put on summer track meets at a local high school for kids and adults of all ages. I heard about it last year after it was over, so this year we were excited to try it out. I was so impressed with how everything was run. You register your kids, then they can participate in any event they'd like. They start off with the national anthem and the announcers just go through each event- calling for first, second and final calls for anyone who would like to participate in that particular event. They even had the gun starting off the running events. 

 The kids were a little nervous when we first got there, watching some of the adults practice running over the hurdles. In fact, Matthew pleaded, "Please don't make me jump over those!" But when they realized how it worked, they all had such a great time. They started off with the long jump which was definitely a favorite.

I admit it was a rush to be on the track with the hurdles set up. It brought back so many memories- even just the smell of the track got my heart thumping.  Even though there were many adults participating, I didn't join in. I had another marathon just three days away and knew it wouldn't be smart to risk something. But it was sure fun to be back on that track. It really made me miss those 6 years of track and field through junior high and high school. I was also really hoping this experience would help fuel my kids' desire to participate when they get older.

 It was so fun to watch the kids participate in the races. Even Emily got to run. They would call out which age group was up, line the kids up and send them off in a few different heats. Everyone got a sticker at the end of the race, and the top three in each division got a ribbon. I just loved watching the kids' faces get so excited as they ran and finished their races. Emily was so dang cute to watch.

 We even ran into quite a few friends. Jacob was pretty excited to see one of his best friends Michael. We were neighbors until they moved last winter, but they go to school together and were on the same baseball team. It's nice to run into friends at fun events like this.

 The kids were pretty excited to participate in a bunch of different events. Matthew & Emily ran the 50 yard and 100 yard, but we were able to talk Jacob and Caleb into running the mile (1600). They both ran the whole way and we were so proud of them, even if we were busting up at some of Caleb's moves- he would run clear into the 3rd & 4th lanes trying to prevent other kids from passing him.

 Sadly, we had to leave after the mile runs because Caleb had a baseball game that night that we didn't want to miss. So we didn't get to see the 400 & 800, but the kids definitely had a great experience and they all slept very well that night.
This is such a great program and I love that it gives kids a chance to have an early experience with track and field. I only wish that it went all summer long rather than just one month, but we'll take whatever we can get. Plus, it makes me even more excited for the upcoming Olympic Games in London!