Johanna on the Run

April 24, 2022

Johanna joined a running club called Girls on the Run, GOTR, that meet twice a week after school. She wasn't sure about signing up at first but once she realized a few of her classmates had registered she was open to the idea.

Each week they worked on setting goals, being encouraging, and running. Johanna came home in a good mood after each meeting. She didn't seem to love the running part of it and had a sprint then walk approach to getting her laps done.

The end of the program was a 5k and they did a test run right before Easter break. Johanna did it without much trouble but her time was on the slower side of the group. For the 5k itself they asked each girl to have a running buddy. Megan agreed to run it with her and Aunt Heather who is getting back into running signed up as well. Heather was a bit worried that she would be running too slow and didn't want to hold Johanna up. 

The day of the race was beautiful. Jim, Bridget, and I would be cheering the group on as they ran through Druid Hill Park. There were over 1500 girls and their running buddies, so they started in 3 heats. Before the start they had some warmup/dance time, hair painting and general excitement. We did a potty stop and then Johanna headed toward the start line. And they were off.

Jim, Bridget and I found spots on the course and watched as the runners streamed by. Johanna, Megan and Heather were looking good when they came by. Jim Bridget and I changed locations to cheer them on again. We settled in and scores of runners went by, the runners had spread out and walkers were coming by. More and more people came by and still no Johanna. By the time we did see her, they were walking and she looked like she was in a ton of pain. she was complaining of cramping and tried to make a stop at a port-a-potty, but it was locked. The poor girl was all hunched over and really hurting. Megan gave her a piggy back, for a short stretch. 

We moved our support team to the finish line and they approached the finish line looking a little stronger with a jog, but Johanna still looked miserable. She did it, with much encouragement and support. Her team was all gathered and they gave out medals and took a team photo. 

I hurried her to the bathrooms, skipping the individual picture her coach wanted to take. We circled back for the photo and then I got in line to buy her the snowball treat she was looking forward to. Heather said that it was a tough race but Megan was a gentle encourager and Johanna got through it. It took a little while but the pains went away and Johanna was able to smile.

We are so proud of Johanna finishing her race, and we look forward to her doing it again next year.

Easter 2022

 We had a Blessed Easter.

Holy Week had full choirs again and all of the Masses held a power and fullness that feeds the soul.

The light of the Easter vigil fire was strong this year.

Dyeing eggs despite high egg prices amid pandemic/Ukraine War/bird flu inflation was colorful.

Easter morning with all of girls under one roof fills me with joy.

We had an Easter egg hunt with a growing crew of cousins and adults onlooking.

Alleluia! He Is Risen, Indeed!