This morning was her first cross country meet, and her first time running for her school. We were all excited to see what she could do. Mimi was even able to take off work for a few hours to join us.
Her race started at 9:40 am, and she was set to run one mile. About 30 girls lined up on the starting line, 5 of which were from Aspen's school. The race started, and off they went. She didn't have the fastest start...in fact, by the time they reached us, she was behind all the girls from her school. They all disappeared over a hill and behind a building, and we all ran to the next viewing point.
The fun thing about cross country is how close you get to be to the runners. That means great photos. It also means that Chris was able to run almost the entire course next to Aspen, yelling encouragement. He got his workout too!
Finally we spotted the lead cart (called the Gator), and the first two girls came around the bend. And then, there came Aspen!!!! Somehow the runners had thinned out and she had pulled ahead to land a spot in third. She was looking good and running hard.
After she was out of sight, we all ran to the finish line to watch the end. With just a mile course, you have to move very quickly or you'll miss a lot. I got there in time to see runners #1 and #2 come in, and then there was Chris...which meant that Aspen was right there too! Still in third and running her heart out...
The girl definitely has some natural running talent. She also had a summer full of track workouts with a fabulous coach who taught her a lot. It's all paying off, and we were so very excited to see her lay it all out there. To have such a great race! She had a great time...6:36. Her fastest yet.
And even better...out of all the runners for her school in the 7th and 8th grade, her time was the fastest...so right now, she's the best cross country runner in the junior high. How exciting is that?! She's tried basketball and soccer and gymnastics, and has been decent at those. But not a natural. Running is natural. Natural talent + hard work can only equal great things, and those are the things I wish for Aspen.
We were all super excited and full of pride! What a great day...
5 comments:
ASPEN!!! WHOO HOO! That is awesome. It was beautiful to read your blog and feel your enthusiasm in your words...your relationship with her has grown so much and is just really beautiful...I love the picture at the end...your smile says it all...you are beaming with pride. It is so great she has found something that she enjoys and is good at right now...this is a tough age and that will help her feel good about her self. Yeah for Aspen!
Way to go, Aspen!!!!
WAY TO GO ASPEN!!!
How happy you all are in the photo at the end.
PTS
By the way...you look amazing in that photo!!!!
That is AWESOME!!! I am so excited to hear how well Miss Aspen did! She has indeed found her natural talent, I believe! What a great experience she had! I can't wait to hear of the meets to come and how she excels in those!
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