"Go AJ, Go" or "Mom, I think I'll Just Come in 2nd"

"Go AJ, Go" or "Mom, I think I'll Just Come in 2nd"...



Today was Field Day at AJ's school. It's a day where different classes in the same grade compete against each other in races and other events. AJ was totally excited and woke up a little before 7am, dressed himself and played quietly in his room as he waited for breakfast. He was excited and ready for Field Day. He came into the kitchen wearing his red and white Red Mill shirt and red pants. He looked like a track super star.

He was up for the challenge of running the 50 meter and doing 30 second basketball shots. AJ is a natural athlete and a true sportsman. When I asked him if he was ready to win the race, AJ said he thought he'd just come in second. He was pretty practical about it becase he thought that three other guys in his grade were faster than he was and he had come in after them in the fall during the Big Apple Race. Gideon and I were impressed with his ability to self-assess his skills. We also knew that he had the potential to improve upon his already excellent running. So, we decided that it was time to talk about how his running has improved with each big race at the school (he came in 5th and then 3rd during the kindergarten and 1st grade Big Apple Races). We also gave him a little advice. AJ tends to look back at the people behind him when he runs. We've talked about it before, but AJ didn't really want to listen in the past. Today, he seemed ready to take the advice. And the end result is that AJ ran like the wind. He never looked back... He says that he was surprised at the result of the race -- he came in first place. The video shows it all in the 11 seconds it took him to run the 50 meters -- he tied his best friend Chris for first place! I still think he won by an inch, but AJ is totally happy tie with his friend and share first place. His entire 1st grade class cheered him on over the other kids running and the crzay woman screaming just couldn't control herself as her son ran face always towards the finish line.

VERY VERY EXCELLENT RUNNING & SPORTSMANSHIP AJ!!!!

Daddy & I are soooooooooo very proud of you.