Keeping It In The Family

My daughters love that I run. They get that its 'my thing' and they are so supportive. They cheer me on at races, ran a few of their own (and placed), and have even been known to slip a little "mommy, do you need to run?" when they see me get stressed out. They also plead with me to take them on my runs, and a few times I have.
My middle child, however, has decided that this business of running isn't just "mama's thing" but her "thing" too. Jordan was the first to run a kiddie run (Shamrock Run '08) and at 5 years old, you couldn't convince her she hadn't won the race, despite the fact that everyone else ALSO got medals. Her second "career race" a month later at the Sand Gnats Trot found her in 2nd place (to be fair, it was a very small kiddie race). In fact, I think her interest sparked way before that when she went to preschool and as I was picking her up one day while they were playing outside, I called out to her, and instead of cutting straight accross the playground to me, Jordan decided to sprint the perimeter and I watched in amazement as her little legs kicked faster than I thought was possible. I told her as much and like any small child, she ate up the affirmation and beamed with pride. The races that have followed have just cemented her love for running.
In truth, she's got a quirky stride, and although she's about as petite as they come (she's our very own Gidget), she's 90% legs. But as I've always said, what she lacks in size, she makes up for in heart and character.
Take today for example. Today we were checking out Jordan Hasay online. Like my Jordan, Hasay is petite, bright blonde, and determined. She was voted athlete of the year by Sports Illustrated and holds several junior titles in the 1500m. My Jordan was entranced. Before long she'd disappeared and reappeared in front of me with her running gear on. How could I resist? "Ok, lets go." I knew what she wanted, grabbed my stop watch, and headed out the front door. Jordan took her mark at the very end of the street, I yelled "go" and the girl was off to sprint the length of the road and back (total about .3 miles). Then big sis had changed and was out for her turn. McKenzie's only 18 mos older than Jordan, but with a more average build, and quite the overachiever. Jordan's used to it however, and when Kenz beat her time, Jordan was up for another shot at it. Her second round brought her in a full 6 seconds faster than her first, still behind her sis, but here's the kicker- before the halfway point Jordan lost her shoe. She didn't stop though! The girl kept going and sprinted the full way back with only one shoe on!!! I'm still laughing just thinking about it!
So, Jordan has found her first athletic hero (don't worry, I did make a point to mention that Hasay was also valedvictorian of her high school class!), and I'm guessing it won't be long before I have to start sharing my Runner's World subscription. :)