^WHERE:  Golden Gate Park

It has been a long time since I've raced Cross Country!  I did a couple of coaches races while coaching at Davis High and Woodside High but that was for fun...this is for real!  I'm really excited to be on a team and dressed up in matching uniforms!  We are in beautiful Golden Gate Park on a cool morning.  I meet up with the girls and we go on a warm up run on the course.  It's two loops and it's tough.  There are lots of things to navigate and watch out for: mud, narrow trails, steep, slippery hill, dirt, grass, pavement, and even a log to jump over (that's a first for me!).  As I think over my goal time, I realize it will be hard to achieve!  I want to average 6:35 pace.  We'll see what happens.  Karen Saxena gives me some great pointers.  She tells me to really take advantage of the flats and downhills and get some speed.  She tells me what obstacles and challenges to look out for...that really helps to know!

On the starting line all the old emotions are rushing back!  I feel the insecurities that drove me away from XC trying to take over.  I know things are different now because I'm racing for Jesus and not myself.  This is not for my glory but for His Glory.  I know that I will have to overcome these negative thoughts and focus on Him. 

My teammates and I line up and the gun goes off.  No turning back now!  We all bolt off the line and the race is on!  We head across the grassy field up to the pavement.  We are going down hill here and the pace is blistering.  I work to get a good position near my teammates and ahead of big groups of runners.  We jump on a narrow, sandy trail and it's hard to get good footing.  I try to pass a few girls but it's tricky.  We round a corner and hit some grass.  My old roomie, Teresa Clark, is right with me as we go through Mile 1.  6:21!  She encourages me to relax and go.

Here comes the log!  I decide to hurdle it at the last minute.  Now I'm climbing the steep hill...it's sure hard to get solid footing!  At the top we find ourselves on an old track...it's flat here.  I remember Karen's words and pick it up.  I see Clare from the Spartan Track Club ahead.  I run with the Spartans on Monday nights.  Just recently Clare did a sub-6 mile with me on the track.  She's looking strong and I try to close the gap.  I see Troy and Anna ahead cheering for me...hi guys!

We are climbing a bit again and I start to feel the pace wearing on me.  I realize now that I forgot to have a Powerbar before the race!  I got caught up in all the excitement and just plain forgot!  I haven't eaten anything for a few hours and I can feel my energy fading.  Lord, help me get through this!  We are heading back to the starting line.  It's downhill and I try to take advantage.  There is a steep little downhill back to the grassy field.  I let gravity pull me down and I almost feel out of control. 

I pass the starting line and head out for one more loop.  Clare is getting further away and Teresa pulls ahead.  The negative thoughts tell me I'm no good, I am out of gas and I'm letting my teammates down.  Lord, help me!  I try to push but I'm stuck in the same gear.  Down the hill, on the trail, onto the grass, over the log and up the hill!  I'm closer to the end and I feel fatigue setting in!  I dig down and just work to hold my spot.  I fly down the little downhill and sprint to the finish.  Someone is coming up on me and I dig down.  She's getting closer.  She's right next to me.  I let out a shout and push...she got me at the line!

The disappointment is flooding my mind...I missed my goal pace and I was out sprinted.  Lord help me not to let it take over!  Troy and Anna congratulate me(=  I have to focus hard to be positive.  Coach Bill congratulates us.  He lets us know that due to the "soft" footing and slightly long distance, the times are off a bit.  That makes me feel better about my 6:45 pace.

My disappointment melts away as we cool down and hang out in the park.  Anna is having fun with Elisa, Beth and Ben Bourne's little girl.  Anna needs to learn how to share a bit better but I think that concept is a bit too abstract right now(=  I am so blessed and have nothing to complain about or fear.  It was a great day and a great experience.  The Lord helped me to let go of my unrealistic expectations and be content with the wonderful gifts I've been given.

My West Valley Track Club Teammates

Our Team Placed Third!!