My name is Madison Estes and I’m a senior at Scottsboro High School. Scottsboro AL. My Cross Country experience consists of me reading about how good our team is in the local paper. In other words I have no Cross Country experience. I am a veteran in track (going into my fifth year) and a four time all-state and all-region performer. I also hold the school record in the 800 meters. I am also a four year starter, and all region Safety on the football team. My decision to run Cross Country this year was based on a few reasons, I wanted to show college coaches that I could do it, I wanted to improve my endurance in the 800m during track because I have never entered the track season with a mileage base of any kind and was curious to see what the outcome would be WITH a good mileage base. Finally, and most importantly, I wanted to help our team win a State Championship. Scottsboro is the 5A boys/girls defending state champs, but the boys lost 3 of their top four runners from last year. Before any of my 800 meter rivals, (Donnie Lee, Peyton Ballard, and Griffin Lee) roll their eyes at my first foray into Cross Country, let me say this: I have no illusions about being the best Cross Country runner in the state, all of those guys are great at this distance. The 5k distance is a little long for me, however, I just want to contribute to my team and help us get back to a State Championship. Not knowing too much about how to run a Cross Country Race, I would like to break 17:30 in my debut. We will see.
I am on good terms with all of my assistant coaches in Cross Country and I am progressively gaining a good relationship with my head coach, Hall of Famer, John Esslinger. After missing a few days during the summer schedule, I was getting his famous “glare” and have tried hard to get in line. Let me tell you, getting used to the early morning runs followed up by football workouts was rough but my body is getting used to the lack of sleep and constant exhaustion. Coach Esslinger and Coach Swane Morris (football) have been great and have been very understanding during this “experiment”. My teammates have been great too.
Our first meet is in one week, the morning after my first football game, and I wouldn't consider myself quite ready. But I'm getting there. So far I haven't had any trouble with the short and fast workouts such as mile repeats. (which gave the veteran CC runners more trouble. ) but when it comes to 5k and father workouts, I'm still working on it to say the least.
So that’s how it begins. Summer is over, School has started, (blah) and so far it has been easy to manage, but we'll see about that. It's still early, but I’m excited. I’m also excited and honored to be selected to share my thoughts with you this season from my tiny little part of the world up here in northeast Alabama. Good luck to all Cross Country runners as you begin your season.