This weekend, I had two 21km fun runs to choose from – one with the Coburg Harriers Club, the other with the Victorian Road Runners in Princes Park, an old stomping ground. A friend and I decided to head over to the familiar Princes Park for some speed work.
On Friday, I asked our 11yo son whether he would join us on a fun 5km. To my surprise, he immediately said yes. Historically similar suggestions had usually taken a bit of convincing. With the 21km and the 5km having different starting times and knowing that my son still preferred having support on his run, I scrapped my original 21km plan to join him on his 5km. Missing out on my planned 21km turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
About 1.5km in, my son fell and ended up with a rather deep cut on his right knee. The first aid kit did not have a band-aid or a tape wide enough to cover the wound, so we could not quite stop the blood from trickling down his leg. Whilst he sat down for treatment, I asked whether he would like to stop the run. To my surprise, he shook his head. “I want to finish it off, Dad!”
And off he went, limping, running slowly, running fast, walking… over the remaining 3km and a bit to the finish line. As father and son, I do not recall having so much fun on a run together previously. Our smaller son was racing on a little scooter behind us to cheer us along. It brought a smile to my face whenever I saw little children thinking through a situation, being in control of it, and not being carried away by impulses.
An organiser was very kind in giving my son a club cap for his effort. Thank you, dear stranger! Your considered gesture means a lot for these children.
I might have just seen a future marathoner today.
? Liane Metzler