From Hidden Trolls to a Sea of Sneakers
Our last adventure took us to Dix Park where we wandered through wooded trails searching for hidden trolls. That day date brought fresh air, laughter, and a surprising number of tree‑based giants. Last weekend brought a very different kind of adventure. We headed to Durham for the Girls on the Run Bee Amazing 5K, which promised excitement, community, and a lot of neon hair paint.
Girls on the Run supports individuals of all abilities as they build confidence and connection. Volunteer coaches guide lessons that blend movement with life skills. The season ends with a Community Impact Project and a 5K that celebrates teamwork and accomplishment. Our daughter joined run club earlier this Spring, which would culminate in the 5K. She practiced on Mondays and Wednesdays, which alternated with her Tuesday practices and Thursday soccer games. Her schedule could rival a small college athlete.
A Family Road Trip for One Big Run
The big day required a running buddy. Her aunt drove from West Virginia to run beside her. Her grandmother also made the trip to cheer her on. One of her friends, classmates, and soccer teammates was also participating in the event with her mom. The entire morning was a reunion of supportive women and one supportive big brother ready to conquer three miles.
We had participated in the Triad’s Walk MS last month. However, this event operated on a much larger scale. Thousands of participants filled the area with bright shirts and excited chatter. Vendors lined the space with activities, including hair painting. Pink and green seemed to be the most popular choices. The energy created a joyful atmosphere that encouraged everyone to join the fun.
The Port‑A‑Pot Plot Twist
The only thing that could slow down this aunt and niece duo was the port‑a‑pot line. You read that correctly. Ten minutes before the race, our daughter announced that she needed the bathroom. The line moved slower than a turtle on vacation. She made it out of the stall just as the horn sounded. Thankfully, the crowd was so large that they slipped into the starting line without becoming the final pair to begin.
The temperature climbed quickly, but they pushed through the heat. Their goal was to finish in under 40 minutes. They crossed the finish line with time to spare. Their smiles showed pride, accomplishment, and maybe a little relief that the port‑a‑pot adventure did not derail the entire morning.
A Day Worth Every Step
The event created a powerful moment for our daughter. She trained for a couple months and completed a challenge that required dedication and grit. She also did it surrounded by family, friends, and a community that cheered for every participant. The day reminded me that these small adventures create lasting memories. They also keep The 10K Chronicles moving forward one joyful mile at a time. The early morning adventures helped me get my 10,000 steps for the day as well.
The 10K Chronicles Series
- Post #1: Walking for a Future Without MS
- Post #2: What Real Consistency Looks Like: My 10,000‑Step Habit
- Post #3: Walking Strong at Walk MS 2026 in the Triad
- Post #4: Locked In and Walking Forward
- Post #6: May’s Messy Middle and June’s Reset
Leave a Reply