A New Marathoner and Race Directors are Born

Anyone that knows Colby knows he is a driven kid. He wants a lot out of life (has it all planned) and expects to achieve his dreams. He talks a lot about record breaking runs and WHEN (not if) he’ll achieve them.

Colby started running half marathons in late 2011. Over the past year he has evolved into a great endurance runner. His half marathon PR is 1:49!

A few months ago we came up with the idea of coordinating a marathon for his 12th birthday. Rather than ask a race director of a big city race for permission to enter, we created our own event. We invited all our runner friends and got to work on logistics. I ran all over Temecula (literally) to find the perfect course.

Our goal was not just for Colby to run 26.2 miles, but to have a wonderful experience surrounded by friends. We chose to have it on his actual birthday to make it a grand party as well!

As the day approached, I was a nervous wreck. I worried that something could go wrong with the course or people would not have a good time. Fortunately, the worry was for nothing. The day went off without a hitch - almost.

The day before the race I ran the course again to mark it and check for any issues. I had fun writing notes to Colby on the sidewalk. I also worried that the markings would be washed off by rain or rubbed off by other runners or kids. For that reason, I came back a few hours early on Thursday to mark it again. When I arrived we already had three runners on the course.

By the time I made my way over to the park to set up, several friends had arrived and the excitement was palpable. When the birthday boy arrived, everyone was excited to see him.

At just before 8:00 am we made our way to the start line and got ready to go. Brady and I gave some course instructions and we sang happy birthday. I could see on Colby’s face he was anxious and nervous.

We set off exactly at 8. I noticed that a few runners were missing. I had received a text that there was a bad accident on Interstate 15. Turns out several runners would be stuck just outside Temecula for a while. Thankfully, they were safe and able to start once they arrived.

Another concern had been the weather. The first 6.55 loop was a little cold and it drizzled some. By the time we set off the next lap, the sun was already peeking out and it would warm up to be comfortable the rest of the day.

Colby and I ran with Ed The Jester for the first 13.1 miles. I enjoyed catching up with Ed and spending the time with Colby. We stopped and walked some and I encouraged him to stay hydrated. The first half flew by and before long I was done and Brady went out with him for the second 13.1.

Colby did very well. Brady said he was strong most of the time on the second half. He was smart at the aid station to avoid hanging out too much. In fact, in the loops I ran with him he left me at the AS! We had to encourage him to eat more, but overall, he ran a great race.

We all gathered around the finish and waited anxiously for him to arrive. At 12:51 he finished. He flew through the finish with tears in his eyes and a kick in his step. He ran to the aid station, sat down, and let out his emotions. He kept repeating to me, “Mommy, I did it! I did it!” Honestly, I think he doubted if he would. The feeling of accomplishment washed over him.

Waiting for the new marathoner to arrive

As a Mom, I wanted success for him. I wanted him to see his goals accomplished. As a runner, I was honored to share the feeling of runners’ high I enjoy so much. I wish everyone could understand what it is like. To have Colby understand at the ripe age of 12 is pretty great. I was honored to be there to witness him enjoy the company of others that appreciated his journey as well. It was an amazing sight.

After the race, we all stayed, ate, enjoyed the company of each other, and swapped running stories.
All in all it was a great day. Minus the traffic accident and the delay it caused, the day was near perfect. Colby met his goals, we all had fun running with him, and we enjoyed the company of old and new running friends.

Race directing was a lot of work, but I enjoyed it. I was happy to see people having a great time as a result of the hours we put into the planning.

Thank you to everyone that came to share this special day with us. Stay tuned for next year, plans are already in the works. Longer distance, probably on a trail. We’ll keep you posted as it develops.