busy busy busy

We've had a busy weekend but I shall not bore you to death with the details of it all. Today is a proud mum post.

I took James for his first club race, the Scottish cross-country relay championships. This was in Cumbernauld, which is about 30 minutes north of Glasgow. It was well organised with plenty of parking at a not particularly local school and shuttle buses taking runners to the venue, Cumbernauld House Park. We found "our" club tent (I am not a member, just the boys). James was very nervous but his club coach was very supportive and helped him feel at ease. She walked us around the course (which would just about finish me off), together with her son, who was in James relay team. James was the first leg in this group. There were so many runners, quite intimidating for a 12 year old. There must have been approximately 150 relay teams in the boys race. The way the relay works is that the first leg is run by the youngest (under 13) and each of the following legs by the next age category up. Before the race, we spent some time putting James' shoes on and fitting the timing chip. James likes his shoes to be tight around the foot, which for once was good because of the mud. checked if the spikes (9 mm long weapons) were firmly fitted. I tried not to imagine the flesh wounds these might inflict on a boy's shins. We didn't have the right type of vest but luckily could borrow one. It was a size 10 woman's vest and a bit big on James but an ill-fitting vest is better than being disqualified for wearing the wrong top. I had no idea these vests were compulsory.

James started off strong and I was proud to capture him tall and confident running up the steep hill.  After the first hill, the runners were more spread and I would say that James was in the final third or so. I caught another glimpse when he was running past on the downhill. Everyone in the club was so friendly and encouraging, it was heartwarming. I can't say the same of all adults around the course... but every single person in our club was really nice. The club adults spread around the course and called out encouragement to the boys and girls. If they didn't know the name, they called the club name. James commented on this, he said he liked that.

After he finished his lap, he still had some energy left and he was very happy to tuck into the cakes that the club was selling for charity. He also had a hot chocolate. Everybody was very complimentary about his performance and James enjoyed the attention. Unfortunately, his team was not ranked because it was not complete (the oldest was not there). It doesn't seem to bother James the least and it doesn't matter really. He was so happy to have completed the difficult 2.5 km course. I was so excited to see him run with confidence, such a boost for him.  I hope he makes some good friends in the club now that he is "one of them".

We got back at 3 pm and I spent the rest of the afternoon doing chores, interspersed with some knitting. James went for a bike ride with his friend and didn't return until it got dark. It seems that he had plenty of energy left.... but he went to bed early and fell asleep promptly!

Thanks for visiting. Christina xx