Today I had the privilege of running with the Centennial Coyotes cross country team! I love running (surprise) and one of the best things about this whole marathon craziness is when I get to teach, share it, live it with others. And who better to share it with that a group of high school kids and their fearless coaches who are about to embark upon their very first cross country race of the year!
First. I would be remiss if I didn't offer a huge shout out to the coaches of said team. While it might seem that training for running is really just about going running, truthfully there is a whole lotta science behind it and a whole lotta energy that goes into leading these students in practices and in meets. Centennial coaches, you are wonderful. The extra time and energy you dedicate to ensuring these student athletes can be a part of a team like cross country is nothing short of admirable and so large cyber hug to YOU. Yes, you, D-Ost with your moullet (that's French for mullet) blowing in the breeze and YOU Chaney with your incredibly coordinated running attire. I love that you guys give your time to these students and to running. Thank-you.
Second. WOW. Exactly one calendar year ago I ran with this exact cross country team and had the opportunity to run with one runner girl who shall remain nameless. Remember her? Grade 10? Super, super talented athlete? Exceptional student? Loves running, maybe even as much as I do? Anyhow, runner girl is now is grade 11, and, I can state, with confidence, that the world should look out for this girl. That's right. Look. Out. World. Her tenacity and spark are amazing. She has huge goals. And she's going after them. Not just in running, too. In LIFE. To me, this is the sign of foresight and maturity well beyond her years. It was a privilege to see her and run with her again, and I hope that she is enjoying her running journey just as much as I enjoy learning all about it.
Third. This team has a boxer. A fighter. If that ever gets old for him, he should certainly take up distance running as more than a supplement to his training. Huge hill in Fish Creek Park? He killed it. And killed it 5 times. Just for fun. And then looked at the rest of us as if to say, "That's it?". INSANE. And awesome.
Hopefully, one of the messages I shared with these runners was clear; and that is running is an amazing life sport that can take you to places you never even imagined. It might take you to a crazy race in a crazy place. It might allow you to meet and run with people who will change your life. It might open doors that you never even knew existed. It just requires that you keep on keepin' on. Feet into shoes. Shoes onto pavement. One foot in front of the other. AWESOME.
And the best running advice an old gal like me can give? Here it is!
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