Running with Headphones

Josh participated in a big fundraising "Fun Run" at his school today, which was the culmination of a week of raising money by asking people to pledge per lap. The organization set up a small track for each grade, and the kids ran up to 35 laps while parents cheered on the sidelines. Normally, this would be great fun, but Josh occasionally freaks out in chaotic, loud places, and the beginning of the Fun Run was difficult for him.

He was the first out of the chute when his class was introduced. He disappeared a few minutes later and returned wearing headphones, which the school provides for him during fire drills and especially noisy days in the cafeteria.

There's nothing like being the parent of the kid wearing headphones during a running event.

The kids stopped after each lap while their teacher marked off a lap on their t-shirts. Josh ran the maximum number of laps, which was a little over two miles. Usually we can get him to lose the headphones with some bartering, so today I told him I would time him with my watch every lap if he would give me the headphones. It worked.

Many thanks to those who sponsored Josh for the Fun Run. The kids at this school raised almost $90,000 (!!) through this event, and we were glad Josh was able to contribute.