Hey all!
So I just ran my last high school cross country race in Maine. Congrats to all the Seniors who made it to the end of their XC season! As for the underclassmen, you have a couple more years left, so enjoy it all! I remember my first state meet vividly, and I'm sure that I will remember this one for many years! It was a crazy race!
The first 800 was the slowest of any state race I have ever been a part of. We came around the first corner and the clock read 2:48. From that point on, the tactical race was done. JoLo, literally saying, "This is too slow," opened up and the race was on. It was a slow first mile, coming through at 5:10, probably due to the slow first 800. The pace continued up through the super highway, but then slowed down in the woods area. Then as soon as we hit the hill the pace cranked up again. It was a go from then on out. The last 800 really hurt, and I almost closed it out, but Jeremiah held me off. Thankfully though, I FINALLY BROKE 16!
I want to congratulate everyone on their races yesterday! There was definitely some phenomenal racing! Tons of guys went sub 16, and tons of girls were in the 18s! You all make me proud to be part of this Maine XC community!
This season has been absolutely nothing like I had hoped or expected after last fall, but overall it has been successful considering the circumstances. Sure I didn't win any championships, but I finally broke 16 and I was able to race with some of the best in the state. I want to thank anyone who helped me along this summer/fall. I've decided to not run Footlocker to give myself a chance to build up more of a base before Indoor, so I only have one more race left to go out with a bang! Let's get it done!
Also, I have decided and verbally committed to a school. I'm just waiting for one more thing before I make my announcement. You only get to announce which school you're going to once, so I figure, I might as well make it cool!
To all those who qualified for New England's, I wish you good luck! Enjoy the last race of the season and make it count!
Paul's Practical Pointer for Perpetual Progress #4: Setbacks are temporary. Never lose sight of your goals.
May the course be with you!
Paul
