Hi Guys!
I hope your seasons are off to good starts. I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis for the past two weeks, but this week I am hoping to begin running again for extended periods of time. Being injured is not fun, but definitely makes me hungry to come back and train. This injury has given me time to reflect on why I love running, and how doing other activities can ultimately make a positive impact on your training in the long run, no pun intended :). This summer, instead of running everyday, I often incorporated physical activity into other cross training activities that were memorable and fun, yet boosted my overall fitness level. In July my dad and I did a father-daughter bike/hike trip with some friends, and we hiked the Bigelow range which is a stunning mountain if any of you ever get the chance to hike it! I also hiked Mount Washington which is a long hike, but worth it nonetheless! Taking time to do fun, yet physically active activities fuels my passion for running, and allows me to stay fresh during a long summer and cross country season. If done sporadically, these "cross training days" have such a positive effect on runners' schedules because they not only allow a physical break, but a mental one as well. Whether it be hiking a mountain, going for a swim, or playing a soccer game on the beach with your friends, these fun, lighthearted activities can fuel all of us to run our best by Halloween (i.e. States!)
The Greely team is at a record high number of runners, and all our teammates are participating for slightly different reasons. Each runner brings a unique perspective to the group which creates a great team dynamic. Before our last race, the girls team gathered and each person named one goal that she would like to achieve. This exercise was meant to unite the entire team so we all could hold each other accountable for our own goals, and to be able to provide support to our teammates if they were struggling accomplishing their goal. I was struck by the array of aspirations, from trying to beat a certain time or stay with a certain runner, to completing the race without walking. The fact that each goal brings personal satisfaction to each individual, no matter her place or time, is such a special trait of XC. Everyone is able to feel proud of their improvement, and hopefully don't compare themselves too much to other runners.
This weekend, we are racing at the Manchester Invitational, a fun but competitive race in NH. We see many out of state teams and it's always fun to see how we stack up against tough competition. The race is basically up a mountain and then down, with a few fields interspersed, and so the first 1.5 miles is brutal, but the last mile or so is all downhill! I hope that I will be able to compete with the top runners, but as long as I complete the race without my foot hurting, I will see it as a win! :) Last year, our team were the small school champions, and so repeating is always a goal in the back of our minds. However, with the addition of a competitive Yarmouth crew and some schools being moved from the elite race to the small school race, we will have all we can handle to come out on top!
I hope you guys have great races this week and continue to stay healthy!
Katherine
