Sophomore year cross country... where to begin!! Reflecting on each competition season as it completes is always a good way for me to recognize growth, challenges and what I learned. Freshman year running was about simply surviving and learning the game, and sophomore year running so far has seemed to be about maturing, taking control and learning how I operate best within my team.
This XC season took me to quite a few more new states! Kentucky, Missouri and Kansas became a part of my geographical repertoire. The season started with a good summer of solo training and successful pre-season team training, and then we headed into competitions.
One of the highlights of this season was setting a new 5k XC PR of 18:24 and achieving first team all-region in Knoxville, TN the day before my birthday. It was such a fun meet with beautiful fall foliage, but it also marked an important break through for me mentally. The meet before TN, in Louisville, Kentucky was a rough race that woke me up to how much harder I make running for myself sometimes. Kentucky was a low point, but through that race I was able to have a sort of come-to-Jesus moment where I decided that I can't let racing and the anxiety that comes with it be as much of a detriment to my mental health as it often is.
In all honesty, I didn't make as big improvements in race times this season as I had hoped, but I learned so much beyond PRs. I matured into a runner and teammate who understands that my worth as a teammate and friend extends far beyond what my times are and rather can be valued on how I support and uplift my team. Transitioning from an independent runner in high school to a college teammate has been such a huge blessing, but also a huge adjustment as I learn how to work for group goals. It's the coolest thing ever and I feel so blessed to be on this team.
The most fun meet of the year was by far the Sun Conference Championships in early November in Lakeland, Florida. Both SCAD men's and women's teams won the meet and thereby qualified to run at the NAIA National Championships in Columbia, Missouri two weeks later. Conference was a fun meet on a strange Florida course and we really were able to use it as a show of how our team works together to get the job done.
After a whirlwind of finals and last minute training, 21 bees flew to Missouri! We spent a week exploring both Kansas City and Columbia and then competed at such a nice course in Columbia. For me, this year's nationals was a celebration and proof of my growth. Thanks to lots of preparation, the race went very well for me personally as I set a tiny new 6k PR and placed 94th nationally. The SCAD women also placed 9th as a team nationally which is the program's new highest placement ever!! I'm so proud of the women who competed and the women who cheered as we've all worked so hard for this over the past few months.
As always, I have a lot more to learn as a runner and I look forward to continuing my sophomore year of running as we head into indoor track. The men and women on our team inspire me everyday and I'm so thankful to be able to train and learn and grow beside them. Enjoy some highlights of this season pictured below!! Go Bees!! 🐝💕🫶
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