I finally decided to blog about the best day of my life. Today was my last region race. I have run varsity for past three years and as a team have never won region but everything changed today. We arrived at Snow Canyon high school nice and early. The entire team did a warm up together around the course, since there was no pre-region. Everything prior to the race went well. I can honestly say I went into this race more mentally prepared than any other race I have ever ran. I spent every night visualizing the course, the up hills and down. I visualized catching girls, working hard and pushing through the pain. By the time we made it to race day I was prepared to do anything to help the team win. I also kept hydrated all day and choaked food down because I was so nervous I was not hungry. My legs felt ready to go as well and natural running, thanks to the morning run. After our run as a team I hung around with the everybody and watched the JV girls race. Our JV girls race really inspired me. Every girl had an amazing race and pushed so hard. I have NEVER seen the JV team run so well. This team will be unbeatable, like the guys, in just a few short years. I really enjoyed watching their race and hope the best for the future of this girls team. The varsity girls warmed up during the JV boys race. After warming up we headed to the start. It all went vary fast, the gun going off that is. Once we were able to get out a little I found Megan and Liz and began pushing it with them. We made it through the first lap and I could still see up ahead and things were not exactly looking as I planned. I knew I could push harder so I took off for a Snow Canyon girl and caught her on the hill. I tried to keep the pace rolling the best I could on the top of the hill and the down stretch to put more distance between us. Once on the track I tried to sprint the last 300, it was pretty dang painful.
After the race I saw Megans face and Liz face and I thought we had lost and I had the most horrible time trying to accept that. I had not regrets, I did everything I could do but even that was not satisfying to me. Coach Holt however gathered up the varsity girls and told us all we were REGIONS CHAMPS! Oh. The emotion that ripped through. I thought I would cry or something but I was so shocked. I have waited forever to hear that and it was amazing I was just so happy. The first time this girls team has been region champs since 2001! I got an individual medal 10th place (made my goal), we got our region 9 2010 trophy (made my other goal), and then took some pictures where it really was not hard to smile and then went home to celebrate home with my family.
I have ran my 4 years and have left it on the best note ever! I have accomplished my dreams. I got to run varsity for 3 years and my last year as a senior I feel complete as we walk away being region champions. I could not have asked for a better experience than this. While this is the hardest thing in my life I have to leave I will never forget it and I will keep these years and experiences as my most precious memories. I love this team and this program. It feels like a family, somewhere you can go that is positive and where everybody is welcomed. I love the girls that I have ran with this year and in years past and I've learned so much from all of them. I still have track season to go but cross country was my heart and I will miss it!
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