The "Fun Run"

A while back I saw an advertisement for a Fun Run to benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. I presented the option to the family. After asking how long it was and me quickly scanning the ad, I said, "Looks like it's only 1.5 miles," so they all said, "yes." However, the biggest selling point was that this would be held at the new Vikings Stadium. It had only been open 1 week. Brand. Spankin. New. And there was no way we'd ever be able to afford tickets to go see it. This looked like a win/win for all.

The big day finally arrived. As it turns out, Chloe and I signed up to volunteer at the event, not actually walk or run. I signed Chuck and the boys up for the run. It was a bit chilly, overcast and windy out. For the first half of the event, Chloe and I were assigned to the "Swag Tent" where we got to hand out free samples to all the participants.

When it came time for the big Walk/Run, Chloe and I were escorted into the stadium. We we told to wait on the 50 yard line and cheer for all the people coming across the finish line. I think we lucked out in the volunteer department.

As we were patiently and warmly waiting for the racers to do their thing, I was asking someone near me how long the run was. He replied, "It's a 5K." Oops. I kinda told my people it was only 1.5 miles. They didn't even train. They just woke up at 6am, walked out the door and were told to run 3 miles for charity at 9am.

As soon as Chuck crossed the finish line (long after the boys did) he told me (once he was able to breathe again), "That was the biggest bait and switch ever! I go from thinking I'm running 1.5 miles to actually running 3 miles." But I was so proud of my boys. Bennett sprinted through the finish line in 7th place. Gavin wasn't far behind him. And Chuck was only a few minutes behind Gavin. Overall, they did awesome. And it was for a good cause. They just couldn't really walk the rest of the day. But it was for a good cause. And nobody is mad at me anymore.

And right before we left the stadium, Chuck stood at the 5 yard line and told Bennett to run for the endzone. Bennett caught the (mini) football (that we were passing out in the swag tent) and landed with both feet in the paint. Then they were happy.