Last but Not Least

This past weekend was Homecoming at Illinois Wesleyan, so the whole family spent some quality time on campus. While we enjoyed taking part in a number of events, the 5k run in honor of Ryan Beaupre '95 was undoubtedly the highlight. Katie continued her dominance in the "Used To Be An Awesome Sprinter but Then Retired and Was An Awful Sissy at Distance but Returned After Childbirth to Regain Her Old Form and Kick Butt in Distance Running" category. I don't know how many women are even in that category, but Katie was first to the finish among all women to compete in the Homecoming 5k, regardless. And she was probably about the 8th finisher overall. In addition, Lily participated in the Kids Fun Run just prior to Katie's race, so Katie's parents came out to show support for both their daughter and granddaughter. At one point, as Katie's mom and I were cheering for her to finish the race strong, we looked at each other and commented on how it seemed like just yesterday that we were doing the very same thing for Katie as a member of Wesleyan's track team.

And while Katie's heroics continue to impress, her daughter's finish was perhaps even more memorable. Lily was among the youngest runners in the field on Saturday, and I'm not sure she understood the purpose of the event. Nonetheless, she lined up happily, ready to "run with kids." Luckily, her friends Aiden and Alayna Geraty were right there beside her....well, Aiden started there, anyway. Aiden is a miniature form of his dad, which means he had the Eye of the Tiger and quickly left the girls in his wake. Alayna, however, was kind enough to share Lily's pace for the duration. In fairness, Alayna ran the whole way, while Lily made multiple (successful) requests to be carried by her dad. As the girls neared the finish, I put Lily back down on the track and we did what we could to persuade her to finish strong. And while that resulted in two or three slightly more enthusiastic steps, her indifference quickly took hold once again...or at least it did until she heard and saw the crowd that was awaiting her arrival. Since everyone else was now finished and just watching Lily and Alayna, they had little choice but to cheer the final two contestants to the finish...a fact that Lily relished. As soon as Lily and Alayna came within about 15 meters of the finish, a roar went up among the crowd that apparently lifted Lily's spirits because she grinned from ear to ear and waved to her adoring fans, all the while running to finish the race. Alayna was much more reserved and completed her race as a runner should, head down and pumping those little legs...but I won't address that yet with our little track star. At this point in her fledgling athletic career (and based on what I saw during the race), she's going to need all the encouragement she can get. Lily, you never stop making us laugh.

And congrats to Brooke, Ciarra, and Laine for running a great race, too!