Today was an amazing day
Ever since last year, I have been waiting for this day to come. Please see this entry for clearification. Last year at the WLW Invitational at Gilbert Willis Park I came in 23rd place in the 9th and 10th grade girls race, got a pr and had shin problems. This year I was expieriencing problems with my hamstring that kept me out of the first two meets of the year. The first one I ran was this year again at Gilbert on thursday. I swear I love that course so much. This year I wanted to get into the top twenty, the top twenty of course get a medal. I've wanted it since last year when I came so close. I woke up this morning a little afraid of what would happen. When I ran the course thursday my hamstring didn't hurt me, and I was hoping it would be ok today. Like last year, the meet was divided into four races, 11th and 12th guys going first, 11th and 12th girls, 9th and 10th guys, and then 9th and 10th girls. This year I would be in the 11th and 12th girls race, with Cassie, Steph, Jaime, Alex and Lauren. I told myself I was going to get into the top twenty, and I told my Dad as well. I asked if he thought I could do it. He said yes. And he told me what he thought I should do to get there. Use the strong points to work your way past people, and keep fighting at the weak spots to keep people from getting past you. It was such an amazing day, let me tell you.
I kept everything I was going to do in focus. It was our time to start. The gun went off, and we went sailing out there. I kept with the pack and we preceded to fly down the slope and onto the trail, where I kept fighting. I went down the first hill with ease, for it was quite simple. And then on the second hill I remember what my Dad had told me to do. I just worked and got myself up the hill without much loss, plus Andy was there too, just like last time. I didn't expect him to come. I thought it was cool that he did. I get around to the mile mark. Dad had told me that he was going to shout to me the place I was in so I would know how hard I had to work to get into the top 20. The number he shouted was 18. I was stunned. And apparently so was everyone else. I held my own and got to the second mile mark, where again I was still 18th, and all of a sudden I hear a voice behind me. It was Jaime. We ran neck and neck the third mile, and then all of the sudden this Central girl comes and passes us. I couldn't catch her. We get to the last 100 meters, and everyone is yelling at me to kick it. I felt so dead, but somehow I managed to kick it all the way to the end. I came in 19th place, with Jaime coming in 20th.
That was probably the most amazing race I have ever run in my life. For the first time, I got a medal in Cross Country! I got so many congratulations from teammates, parents, and I couldn't stop smiling. The awards ceremony was great. I got my medal, and I feel so proud. I'm going to put in on my jacket. And you know how I was able to do it? Not because I have natural talent, because I don't. I did it through hard work and determination, and a lot of heart. It got me to where I wanted to be. I am so proud. For the first time, I feel like I can do almost anything as far as running goes. I got a time of 24:35 and it's my PR, which hardly ever happens at Gilber Willis Park. I apparently did it last year, looking back on my old entry, and I just did it again today. It was wonderful. May I never forget this day. Never.
I kept everything I was going to do in focus. It was our time to start. The gun went off, and we went sailing out there. I kept with the pack and we preceded to fly down the slope and onto the trail, where I kept fighting. I went down the first hill with ease, for it was quite simple. And then on the second hill I remember what my Dad had told me to do. I just worked and got myself up the hill without much loss, plus Andy was there too, just like last time. I didn't expect him to come. I thought it was cool that he did. I get around to the mile mark. Dad had told me that he was going to shout to me the place I was in so I would know how hard I had to work to get into the top 20. The number he shouted was 18. I was stunned. And apparently so was everyone else. I held my own and got to the second mile mark, where again I was still 18th, and all of a sudden I hear a voice behind me. It was Jaime. We ran neck and neck the third mile, and then all of the sudden this Central girl comes and passes us. I couldn't catch her. We get to the last 100 meters, and everyone is yelling at me to kick it. I felt so dead, but somehow I managed to kick it all the way to the end. I came in 19th place, with Jaime coming in 20th.
That was probably the most amazing race I have ever run in my life. For the first time, I got a medal in Cross Country! I got so many congratulations from teammates, parents, and I couldn't stop smiling. The awards ceremony was great. I got my medal, and I feel so proud. I'm going to put in on my jacket. And you know how I was able to do it? Not because I have natural talent, because I don't. I did it through hard work and determination, and a lot of heart. It got me to where I wanted to be. I am so proud. For the first time, I feel like I can do almost anything as far as running goes. I got a time of 24:35 and it's my PR, which hardly ever happens at Gilber Willis Park. I apparently did it last year, looking back on my old entry, and I just did it again today. It was wonderful. May I never forget this day. Never.