^WHERE:  Davis, CA

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Anna's Race

Yeah it's my kid's race!  Mommy is going to run with me on the second loop and Daddy is with Ariel since it's her first race.  The race man shows us some stretches to do.  It's good to stretch!  Now my foot is on the line and I'm ready to go!  Go!  Wow, that horn was so loud!  It's fun running with all these kids!  There's Mommy taking a video.  I smile big.  This loop doesn't seem as long as it used to.  I'm halfway done and only one more loop.  Uh-oh, my tummy hurts.  I have to walk a bit.  There's Mommy.  I grab her hand and we run together.  I wonder how Ariel is doing.  Mommy said I might catch her at the end. This helps me feel better.  There's Ariel!  Oh, she looks sad.  "Come on Ariel, run with me to the finish!"  Yeah, this is a great way to race.  Together sisters forever!  That turned out to be a great race.  Now we get to eat French Toast!

Ariel's Race

I'm doing a race today.  I'm going to run.  I've been practicing a little.  I want to do it because Anna is doing it.  I like to do what my big sis does! 

Daddy says it's time to stretch.  I know how to stretch.  It's good to be really stretched out before a race cause that's what my Mommy and Daddy do.  Anna's up in front but Daddy and I have a better spot in the back.  Daddy says I get distracted easily but I'm focused on running...look, there's a pole!  This fun swinging around the pole!  What was that?  Daddy says the race started...time to run!  There's lots of other kids.  I really like running!  I like to let my arms go free.  I see Mommy and smile for the camera. 

A third of the way I'm tired!  But now I'm running again.  Daddy says I'm doing great.  Mommy is waiting for Anna to finish her first loop. 

I'm almost to the finish.  I'm really having fun!  A little girl just tagged me and said she got me.  I don't know what she meant so I don't like it.  Daddy says she was just playing but I think I'm done.  I was in the zone as Daddy calls it but I'm not anymore.  I see the finish line but I'm just going to stand here as long as I want.  Oh, there's Anna on her second loop!  She wants me to run with her.  Yeah, I'm going to finish with my sister!  I did it and they gave an award just like Anna got!  Everything worked out real good!  I think I want to do this again.

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The Video

ROBIN'S STORY

I'm looking forward to continuing our tradition of racing here on Labor Day.  It's always great to see some familiar faces like Davis High Coach Bill Gregg and fellow Chipster Beth Bourne.  I ran into Beth at the start and wished her a good race in the fast 5K. 

As usual, it's going to be a crowded start with a quick sprint to the narrow bike path.  Ready, set, go!  As I dash out, I give Anna a high 5.  I look forward to her race and Ariel's first.  Once on the bike path it's crazy and people are flying.  I find myself getting sucked into going too fast so I pull back and find a good rhythm.  Beth goes by and I cheer her on.

Mile 1 is 6:57.  Okay, this feels comfortable and do-able.  I pass a parent of one of my former athletes at Davis High.   "Good job Mr. Sieracki!"  The road ahead reveals my competitors as the 5Kers are turning right and the 10Kers are going straight.  I can see 5 girls just ahead of me.  I decide to work my way up to as many as I can.  I pass one and tell her good job.

Mile 2 is 6:52.  I'm still feeling strong and decide to to try to hold this pace until Mile 4 and then see what I have.  I pass two of the girls and tell them good job.  One says "I like your shirt" and I tell her thanks.  I think, "I just want You to have the glory Lord...it's because of You that I can even do this!"

Mile 3 is 6:51.  It's an effort to catch the other girls.  They are running strong!  One girl surges a few times and I hang on. Eventually I'm able to do it.

Mile 4 is 6:50.  My plan was to pick up the pace but now I'm feeling tired!  I just need to hang on...help me Lord!  If those other girls are feeling strong, I'm in trouble!  I find myself in no-man's land.  I can only see one male runner ahead so it makes for a tough mental challenge!

Mile 5 is 6:56.  Just as I suspected, a slower mile.  It's all about survival now.  I'm staying in touch with the Lord and letting Him know I'm hurting.  Anything can happen I just need to keep pushing.

Mile 6 is 6:54.  I can sense a runner coming up on me and I push with all I have which isn't much.  The legs are feeling shot but I dig down and grab any speed left...track workouts, kick in!  I see Anna and grab her hand.  We sprint to the finish with the other girl 2 seconds behind us.  We're done!  Yeah!  Praise the Lord!  I give Anna a big hug and thank her for her support.  Now it's her turn...

Yeah Beth!  Overall 5K Winner!

Hanging w/ Davis High Coach Bill Gregg