Run baby, RUN!!

As many women can relate, I wear many, many hats! I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister. I am nurse, hair stylist, cook, housekeeper, driver, meal planner, shopper, researcher, tutor, and finder of all things.  This past August, Jay started running track at her middle school and not only am I a football and dance Mom, but I've added track Mom to my resume as well.

Jay started out with a couple of weeks of track practice after school, four days a week. I figured, she's fast and it's something she will enjoy - plus the added bonus of keeping her fit. So on the day of the first track meet I helped her ensure she had everything she needed - I've learned a LOT since that first meet! - and we met her at the away team's school. Babe and I got settled in to watch the races Jay ran, the 800 meter relay, 200 meter, and 400 meter.  The relay went well, nothing spectacular although they did win second place.

Then Jay was set to run the 400 meter race and I had the camera ready to record. Not long after that LOUD gun fired signaling the beginning of the race did I spot MY daughter several meters ahead of the other girls.

"Is THAT JAY?!?!" I asked Babe.  I think he was just as surprised as I was at how fast our little Jay-Baby had taken off.

With the first person behind her crossing the finish line awhile behind her, Jay finished in first place! I was amazed at how fast that little girl of ours could run! Heck, I knew she was fast - she always has been - but that was lighting fast!

Jay continued to win races, mostly first place, a second place, and a third in districts along with two first place wins. I was so proud of her: she worked hard, persevered when homework started to get time consuming, and she fulfilled her commitment.

Now that "J-Bolt" can hang up her sneakers for the season, I realize how much I learned from becoming a track Mom, because like in most things there is always something to be learned!

* Track is a sport where spectators spend a lot of time WAITING. Always have a book or magazine handy for all of that time spent sitting around.
* Plenty of water and a healthy carb snack for the runner should be available - don't expect the kid to remember because she won't.
* Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on because, well, refer to the first bullet point.
* If you must bring younger siblings, be sure to have snacks for them to enjoy and plenty of things to keep them busy. Otherwise they will bug you to DEATH. And again, track is a sport where you spend a lot of time waiting.
* Our season was from August to late September, so a hoodie and sweats were packed on cooler days in case she got chilly. That said, also have jackets for spectators in your group and even a small blanket was helpful. Be prepared for anything the weather may bring: umbrellas for rain or too much sun, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
* If you are the family Mamarazzi or Paparazzi be sure to have all of your cameras charged up and ready for the events! Trust me, you'll be sorry if you miss it!