Midsummer Night's Run

One of the things we enjoy about Lexington is the variety of festivals and events that take place right in downtown.  It is nice to know that the city has no problem shutting down some of its streets to encourage some good old fashioned community fun.  And that is certainly the case with the annual Midsummer Night's Run held the second Saturday in August.  It all begins with the Fasted Kid in Town.  Or as its known in the Bowes household, Crying Kids Running.  This was Reese's first year, and we had high hopes for her, especially since we recently described her as fearless.  But it was not to be.  Her run across the grass consisted mostly of John holding her and jogging while she cried.  We're not quite sure this is what is meant by getting your kids involved in a healthy lifestyle.

Now this was Callie's third year, and we talked about it for several weeks leading up to the big day.  Indeed, any time we drive by this open greenspace Callie talks about it as the place where she "ran her race."  For two years she was excited to run and then broke down in tears during it.  We are sad to report that the third time was not the charm.  You would think that we forced our girls to do this event.  But we promise, that at least in Callie's case, it was her idea and right up to the starting gate she was gung ho.  But we are eternal optimists, and there is always next year.

Of course, the most important race of the evening is the family race.  Or at least, our family ran the 5k together, weaving through the crowds of walkers, dogs, and multiple strollers to make our way finally to the finish line.

It was fun to be able to do it together, although we must say that if you ever intend to participate in a 5k as a walker we have two things to say.  Number one, start at the back.  And number two, don't walk shoulder to shoulder with five other people so that no one can get by you.  It is possible that next year we may run this with a cattle catcher on the front of the stroller to push people out of the way.  You just never know.