Wake up at 7:30
An energy bar and a glass of water for a meal,
then, the five minute bike ride to Quickstad
on a cool and breezy August morning.
I arrive nervous, only recognizing a few middle schoolers.
Immediately, I meet the two head coaches as well as the other seniors, juniors, and sophomores. They all gave me warm welcomes as if I had known them for a long time.
First practice, four miles
Already more than what I had previously ran as an 8th grader.
Second practice, mini workout
A bit challenging, but did improve my mental toughness.
Toward the end of August, we had cross country camp in Fairview.
The trip lasted three days,
we would run two times a day with fun activities in between.
The bonfires were the best part.
This was when we all expressed our personal and team based goals.
My goal was to run sub 19 minutes for a 5k by the end of the season.
After camp, every practice, workout and meet I worked hard to achieve my goal.
Each day getting faster, mentally tougher, and stronger.
Regional meet, Metro Beach
This was the best chance where I could achieve my goal.
When the gun went off all I could focus on was the clock.
As I rounded the final corner and crossed the finish line, I knew I gave it my all.
18:48
I ended my first year on a good note and many more good things I knew were sure to follow.
This was only the beginning to my running legacy.