inspiration at a xc race

friday

Easy recovery run(s)of about 4 miles while cheering on Adam’s XC team at the NY state high school western section race, a qualifier for the state championships.  The rain held off and and the temps stayed at a runner-friendly 50’s with helpful overcast skies.  Normally his team wouldn’t put too much stock in this race, but this year they wanted to cap off a nice season with a good race.  Not sure yet where they finished among the couple dozen schools in their section, but the team was near the upper third of the race – which is their best in many years.  Adam was 4th on the team, 2nd among those returning next year.  They deserve a good rest after a long season.  People always say ‘wait til next year,’ but these guys are definitely looking towards next season with anticipation, with 5 juniors returning – could be a special year for them.

Just watching these kids and the other teams was inspiring.  I think we all are amazed by any racer when we play the role of fan/spectator.  That inspiration will be helpful on Sunday.

proud dad

tuesday

Recovering from Sunday’s Half, 9 easy miles altogether, a portion of it running around cheering on my son Adam and his high school xc team competing against their cross-town rival, whom they hadn’t beaten in over 10 years.  I’m sorry to say his team will have to wait at least one more year before breaking that streak.  Adam and his team gave it their all but fell just short, a switch of one or two places could have done it – the closest they’ve come in a long time.  But a great effort, nevertheless.  Now busy consoling Adam in a tough loss…Feeling their pain, they gave it their all and came so close, the toughest kind of defeat.  But oh so proud of him and his mates.