(Photo by Micheal Daniel)
It seems as though time passes quicker as one grows older. I can still remember back to when I started running cross country in 2012. As an eighth grader who had no earthly idea what she was getting herself into, I frequently looked to my team's varsity girls for help. I admired them greatly. I wished to become half as talented as they all were. I even thought of them as the sisters I never had. They took me under their wings and encouraged me to continue the sport that required many sacrifices and a great deal of dedication. I thank those amazing past teammates of mine - and of course all of the wonderful coaches I've had the opportunity to run under - for helping to shape me into the runner I am today.
Now, as a senior, I understand that feeling of leadership. I know what it is like to have the responsibility of pointing a group of young ladies in the direction they need to face in order to grow into strong runners. I love standing as a role model for the younger competitors. It's a huge motivation to me through all of my runs and workouts. My teammates are such blessings to me, and I honestly cannot believe how fast my time with them has passed.
Just this past weekend, we ran our first meet of the season; we opened up at the Pepsi XC Challenge at Lawrence County High School - the same race we opened up at for my first year of cross country. Realizing that I would never again race on that course in my Scottsboro uniform was bittersweet. This weekend in particular was unlike any other race I have ran on that trail. It was extremely muddy and slippery. I pitied the Small School and JV divisions that ran after the Large Schools. After the race, I was so nasty and dirty, but I loved it! I could not help but just enjoy my last experience there. I bought an icy, talked with old friends from opposing teams, and cheered on the rest of my teammates. I am so proud of the start of our season! The varsity girls placed third, the varsity boys finished as the team runner-up, and both junior high teams won their divisions.
My last season may have only just begun, but I already see things differently than I ever did before. My mentality is more serious and concerned than normal. There are not any chances to make up mistakes "next year." This is it, my last ride. Of course I still have the remainder of the season to go, but at this pace it will be here before I know it. I have looked forward to my senior year for what seems like forever. I am anxious for what is in store, but I am also excited to find out just how hard my team has already worked by how well we perform in the meets to come.
