cross country

dedication, perseverance, hard work, mental toughness....all words that accurately describe a cross country runner.  my crew of six just finished their 2015 season at their respective schools.  they had to grind out a long list of practice days, lots of unpredictable weather ranging from too hot to rainy, cold and blustery.  some days i felt bad for them having to lace up and hit the road for practices.  i'm so much more of a "must have the perfect weather conditions" kind of runner.  far from die-hard, that's for sure.  all six have varying opinions on the sport as well~ ranging from "i actually hate running" to "i love this and am sad it's over".  i get that.  even still, so much is learned in the process of belonging to a school team, working hard at being your best version of you in the sport, and competing against others who have shown up to race.  after all, i'd say just being there to run is a victory in itself!

on this day, it was gorgeous outside....Joelle had her best season yet, pushed forward by more training and discipline...her last as a highschool senior!

Hannah appears so have mastered a beautiful smile while in running motion and pain.  not sure how that happened.  she appears to be loving every second, but i can assure you she is not.  she did it though, and i'm proud of that for sure.

Adam's first year competing at the highschool level.  he'd definitely rather be wrestling.  he did really enjoy the bus trips to out-of-town meets and time with his friends on the team.  fun memories!  can't believe he's in highschool....

AJ was certain he'd be "crushed" based on his age.  as it turns out, he did run with nine year olds while he is only eight.  we reminded him that he was Ethiopian~ therefore getting "crushed" wasn't in the equation...so when the race marshal walked the start line asking the four fastest from each school to be in the front row and the four slowest to make a second row behind them, AJ was certain he was "front row worthy"...confidence of his father i'd say... :)

Layla lives and breathes race day.  no mention of nerves, just happy to hit the course.  she loves it and is always sad when the season is over.  i could see her doing a half-marathon with Jeff one day.

Hudson placed individually and with his team...he looked strong and happy with his finishes...he always seems to have some "finishing speed" which helps a lot when exhaustion sets in for so many others. 

                                                     

as we've told them a zillion times, this running thing is all about personal bests.  and we saw lots of that this year.  they worked out their cardiovascular systems, contributed to a team and saw what they were capable of.  so good...

up next....drum roll...wrestling!!