XC Districts

Rylee was in cross country (XC) again this year.

Let me tell you... cross country at the highschool level is WAY more HARD CORE, than in middle school!

They began their practices in July and ran 5-8 miles a day; rain, shine or 100 degree weather. Even on their days "off" they were encouraged to run "just a few miles". What?!

Rylee was on track to be invited to join the Varsity team, but then at the beginning of the school year, she injured herself and was out for the first few races. The school trainers helped her with therapy on her injury, so she was able to run the last 3 races of the season, on the JV team.

Districts were held at Eagle Island State Park.

Side note: While I was waiting at the start line for the race to begin. There was a man there blasting music to pump up the runners. He turned to me and said I looked familiar and asked if I had gone to Valley View. No. After visiting briefly, we figured out how we knew each other. He was one of my 6th grade teachers at Garfield Elementary, Ted Coe.
So weird... I couldn't see Mr. Coe in him..he looked like an old man (he was wearing a hat and sunglasses too). Wouldn't want to know what he thought of me.. lookin' pretty rough that day. :)
Half way through the race, Rylee looks good.

Here she comes down the home stretch... still lookin' good.

Whew... tired.

Rylee, we're so proud of you. :)

Running buddies- Sarah Bruneel & Rylee

I'm so impressed that these kids WANT to do this. Running has never been my thing. Watching these young athletes is amazing. During races I fluctuate between yelling encouragement to tears of pride. I even cry for the opposing school runners. They are all AWESOME!

If you see me at a meet.. please don't mind my blubbering.. I can't help myself. I'm just so proud of them all. :)

Cross Country Districts 2010

Yep, it's that time of year again... Cross Country Districts.

These girls were all smiles BEFORE the race.

Paige Simpson, Sarah Bruneel, Rylee, Alexis Patten, Kirsten Forester & Melissa Brown

I estimated that Rylee finished in the first 1/3 of the pack.
She said she came in 60th out of 200+ girls.

She ran 1 1/2 miles in 10mins 33 secs.

I have no idea what a "good" time is, but it would be a VERY good time for me! :)

I'm proud of how Rylee improved her position and time each race. She said she FINALLY experienced what it meant to "hit your stride". Her goal was to not stop and keep her friend Melissa in sight.... she accomplished both.

Way to go Rylee!!!

Districts

This week was Rylee's last cross-country meet of the season... districts. All the Meridian Middle Schools met at a local park for the race.
There were 100's of people there!









Rylee came in around 60th out of 250 girls.








Blayke is a member of one of the opposing teams.
A very friendly rival. :)

Way to go girls!

I'm quite impressed and very proud of you.