I could not have felt more pride than I did on Sunday at the Provincetown Cares 5K. My 16-year-old nephew, Evan, had set a goal to win the whole race after last year’s age group win.
As he and I waited for the race to start he looked at me with intent and stated, “my goal is to WIN this race with a time of 20 minutes.” I patted him on the shoulder and said, “do it.” Did I believe he could? Yes. Did I believe he would? Honestly, I am not sure. I looked at the field of runners and thought, he has some competition. As we lined up I gently pushed him and said, “get to the front you want to start strong.” In reality, he didn’t need me or my silly push; he knew what to do. He is part of the cross country and track team at school and has learned all the tricks.
The “town crier” started the race with his hand bell and we were off and running. Evan was clearly in front from the start and after the first bend in the road I lost sight of him. As I settled into my normal 5K pace I was confident he would do well and concentrated on my own race.
The course is relatively flat and goes right down Commercial Street with a slight detour onto MacMillian Wharf. The road was full of people enjoying their Sunday mornings and if they noticed us random runners with a bib pinned to our shirts they would wave and cheer. I found the random high fives and “you go girl” very empowering and trid to acknowledge everyone who made an effort to cheer. I knew this would also spur Evan on in his quest.
I finally made it to close to the finish line and up ran Evan toward me, gleefully shouting, “Auntie Liz, Auntie Liz, I won! I won! I made it in 20:36!!! I won!”
NOTHING could have made me happier. He met his goal! He beat all the runners AND the police escort! He was the picture of pride and happiness. And I reveled in his joy.
And this is my inspiration. The reminder that if you set a goal and work toward it, it can happen, no matter what anyone else thinks (including your aunt).
So when I am out on a run or in a race and feeling discouraged. I will remember; make a goal, work toward the goal, believe in the goal and be like Evan. Achieve your goal!
