my five runners

cross country season is officially complete.  the five oldest competed, and AJ is just simply too young to enter, but his day is coming!  we are truly so proud of their efforts to prepare daily for these events.  the highschool girls had practice four times a week, and this involved lots of conditioning and distance running to be "race-ready" for the various meets.  they both did great~ consistently finishing in the top third of their category.  the younger three were part of the team at the new school.  to even qualify for a spot on the team, a requirement was that they log forty kilometres in training, most being completed on their own time.  that was big~ simply just in finding the days and daylight to get it all in by the deadline.  Hudson and i enjoyed many 2-3 km jogs down our road together.  some days he'd be all "mr. energy" and other days he'd need some encouragement and reminders that he is "Haitian strong".  he persevered, made the team, and even went on to compete at the district level where he finished 22nd out of 71 nine year old boys.

 

 

 

Layla joined a strong team of 11 year old girls already at the new school.  they competed so well that their combined team points got them the pennant at the district level.  individually, Layla finished 10th from 63 girls at district level, which was impressive all on its own, but even more so when i learned she'd fallen over a tree root out on the course.  she came in with mud on her knees and a bruised up shoulder, but her determination was delightful to see!  this course also contained an ominous hill which was pretty difficult for them as it wasn't something they'd trained for.

 

 

Adam was equally determined. through other sports and community events, he knew many of the runners that faced him at the start line. solid, competitive runners that were there on a mission. he had a goal of keeping a certain one in view at all times, and even at district level he managed to do so. he finished 27th out of approx 60-70 13-year old boys.

 

overall, i think all five were pleased. it had been hard work, but a great season to be out enjoying some trails and the benefits of cardiovascular work-outs. we praised their commitment and perseverance even through the discomfort...here's hoping a healthy lifestyle with lots of varied activity becomes their chosen pattern for years to come.