Run The Quay 5K: Callie's 1st Race (2022)

“I can’t believe I’m doing this!” Callie exclaimed as we approached mile 2 of the Run The Quay 5K. It was her first race, and she was doing an amazing job, especially for a 6-year-old. But before we jump to the final mile of this experience, we should probably start from where it began.

We were consistent with our #MondayMiles, so l had signed us up for the race back in February. At first, she was excited, but then her motivation waned and our training became less frequent. Our recent road trip didn’t help us to establish a consistent routine either. But as we entered race week, her energy changed and a new excitement grew within her.

The race was set to start at 8:30 am on Saturday, June 4th, and we arrived early enough to find parking and meet up with my wife’s mother and stepfather who came to support us.

Callie was nervous, but I could tell she was ready to go.

The countdown was underway, and we made our way up to the start line quickly. Before long, our race had begun, and she was wide-eyed and focused. I was smiling ear-to-ear.

I spent the first 0.5 miles reminding her to keep a slow and steady pace while telling her how proud I was of her. She spent the first 0.5 miles in disbelief, telling me to make sure to pinch her when we make it to the finish line. We were also surprised to see our friend Tony (who you might recognize from my Cocodona 250 or Old Dominion 100 race reports) and his family, spectating and encouraging his wife Jess and us as we ran by.

We were settling in from mile 0.5 to mile 1, and I was impressed with the fact that Callie hadn’t asked for a walk break yet. During our training runs, she would always insist on walk breaks after our first 0.5 miles. Yet, here we were, a mile in with no slowing. How long would it last?

From mile 1 to mile 1.5, she started slowing a bit and was asking about the aid station because she had grown thirsty. I guessed that it wasn’t too far up, and kept encouraging her. We inevitably negotiated a 30-step walk break and stuck to our deal when the time came. After a short hill, we saw the aid station and stopped for a quick drink of water. I reminded Callie that our strategy was to take the first 2 miles relatively easy and then push it in the final mile if the gas was in the tank. She nodded and resumed her laser-like focus.

As we passed the 2-mile marker, a spectator was spraying water onto the course and we ran through it together, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. I repeated to her that she can do hard things and it was time to get comfortable being uncomfortable if we wanted to finish strong. We agreed to another quick walk break before committing to a final run to the finish. We took our steps and then the intensity picked up.

We approached another aid station with about 0.5 miles to go, and when I asked if she wanted to stop, she declined. She acknowledged that we didn’t have much left to go, and continued to keep her eyes on the prize—post-race donuts and ice cream.

When we came around the final turn and the finish line was in sight, I began cheering Callie on. She picked up her pace as I watched her face change from exhausted to determined, and I became a crazy man. I was shouting and chasing her as we closed in on the end of our race. We saw our friends and family in the final seconds, and we didn’t stop running until we were done. We crossed the finish line holding hands with a final time of 38:23, and I couldn’t have been more proud of my little girl at that moment. It was pretty special.

Afterward, we got donuts and ice cream at the local Dunkin’ and went back home to chill out.

I don’t know if you could ask for a better Saturday morning than that. I know I can’t.

Christa, Callie and me at the finish of the 2022 Run The Quay 5K.