Archive for November 11th, 2008

As I’ve gotten older, so many things have left a huge impact in my life.  Family, college, work, marriage, friends….  I was thinking back how my hobbies and activities and lifestyles have came and gone.  I tend to have favorite activities depending on which phase of my life I’m in and what resources are available.  

But the one activity that has been a constant in my life and became a huge part of who I am— is running.  (well, except for that year in college when i was in physical therapy for severe shin splints and couldn’t run. shockwave therapy….aaaagh!) What started as little 8 year old me wanting to be like my mom— signing up for fun runs while she ran her races— turned into a competitive school sport and now an ongoing passion for me.  

While going through some boxes getting ready to move, I came across my box full of running treasures. Medals, bib numbers, t-shirts, course maps, random stuff that I hold on to for sentimental reasons.  All of my old junior high & high school cross country and track medals are back home at my parents house, except for one.  My senior year of high school state cross country medal.  I keep that one with me wherever I go.

Such fond memories.  I loved loved loved cross country.  Loved the adrenaline, running on grass, through the mud, over the hills, the team unity. I loved our coach.  Most of all, I loved my teammates.  While some people thought we were crazy for running long distances, we had so much fun together.  I could write a book about our adventures.  I miss them all.  And I miss being able to run a sub-13:00 two mile pace

1999 Kansas 4A High School XC Championship

SHS senior girls

(Just be thankful my cross country scrapbooks are back in Kansas, otherwise I’d go overboard with the pictures.)