Follow Greely HS distance star Kirstin Sandreuter as she blogs about her senior xc season. Sandreuter was the Class B state runner-up last fall, and is the top returner in 2013. See what it takes to be one of the top distance runners in New England.
After the run I took this morning, I am highly in need of a shower. But for once Iʼm not really too sweaty or covered in mud from Twin Brook... Iʼm just overly colorful! Iʼm writing this after finishing the Color Me Rad 5k, where my friends Laura Broderick, Emma Nicholson and I met up to cruise through the back roads of Brunswick and get absolutely drenched in vibrant powders... not a bad way to spend Saturday morning if you ask me! We had a blast together and it was unlike any other “race” Iʼve attended before -- not a single clock or mile marker, just a testament to how our sport can make all sorts of people smile :)
With Color Me Rad as the cherry on top, this summer has reminded me how lucky I am to have the ability and opportunity to run every day. After spending last August helping with paperwork at preseason due to some health issues, I have never been more grateful to feel strong as I train and enjoy gorgeous mornings on the trails. For all those of you struggling with challenges that have taken you away from running or simply diminished the thrill of it, hang in there. No matter how impossible it might seem to rebuild from where youʼre at, if you open your mind and have courage, youʼll be amazed at the things youʼll be able to accomplish :)
So thank you, summer, for all the growth, memories and pure fun that youʼve brought. At this point Iʼm welcoming the change in seasons, which of course will bring on a slew of college visits, applications, homework and all sorts of other important stuff to think about. But thereʼs also the promise of many new trails to discover, PRs to snag and priceless moments spent with team mates to be had in the world of XC :)
Best of luck to everyone as the regular season begins. And for all those in the class of 2014, I hope your last fall running high school cross-country is the best yet! It feels like weʼre finally toeing the starting line of the incredible adventure that will be our senior year -- runners set, go!
