Grasshopper

Gale Woods Farm is considered to be one of the toughest cross country courses in the state. With so many flat courses out there ("track on grass"), The Farm is a test of strength both physical and mental: True cross country. It is remarkably hilly, easily pack-splitting, and often desolate--not at all spectator friendly, so voices of encouragement must come from within. (If you look at the middle of the picture, in front of the trees, you'll see a line of tiny runners making their way through the grass along the road...the other scattered objects are massive round bales.) Crossing the finish line is a victory, and any feeling of defeat is a temporary illusion as new confidence is born. It puts all other races into perspective; and for some crazy reason, our runners emphatically ask to return!

Picture Day

More athletes, more uniforms, and more commotion when it's time to look organized. But we *are* getting better at this...maybe? :) At least it wasn't raining. Thanks to all who keep us matching and looking good! Cedar Creek Golf Course, Comfort Matters Heating & Cooling, Inc., Accorde Orthodontists, Northwest Area Jaycees, CCConcrete, Four Hills Advisors, Encore Entertainment, Miller Trucking & Landscape Supply Inc, River Inn Bar & Grill, Three Goats in a Tub, Dashboard Gear

CC Poker

This year's game of CC Poker ended up more like 7-Card Draw--because we kept sending them out for more cards. :D Fun gauge of improved endurance over last year. And a great way to learn how to use a map!

Downpour

Now that was wet. Just a few seconds after the first race began, the downpour came. The meet directors combined events and moved things along, but we couldn't quite get all the races in before the lightning came. The boys were disappointed (their race was canceled just seconds before the gun was to go off), but for some that was a good thing: to realize that they wanted to race more than they thought. And hooray for the new tent! Thanks to all who helped chip in over the past few CC and T&F seasons so we could buy some protection. :) Congrats all runners who put forth amazing performances in the mud. All smiles in the end, especially when Chipotle is on the agenda. ;)

Noticed

Fun surprise on the back page of the local paper this week. Nighthawk varsity girls were mentioned--boys not this time (presumably due to running an incomplete team that week) but appeared in the photo. :) <http://pressnews.com/…/waconia-runs-away-with-rockford-inv…/>

First Meet

First official meet of the season! Week after week of unseasonable rain meant bog-like conditions last week. A usually-tame course became one of much contention, especially as the meet went on and the course was subject to more foot traffic. Lots of mental battles out there: The more difficult the course, the longer it takes to run, and the more minutes you have to fight. The race becomes less about the clock and more about the run itself--and how you respond to the experience. Every one stuck it out and is stronger for it. Some great team and individual performances, too!

Jacob

With the events in St. Joseph this week, the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center asked that individuals display the number 11 to honor Jacob’s spirit and his sense of fairness. 11 traits were emphasized and shared with each team at the meet this week:
1. Be fair
2. Be kind
3. Be understanding
4. Be honest
5. Be thankful
6. Be a good sport
7. Be a good friend
8. Be joyful
9. Be generous
10. Be gentle with others
11. Be positive
Jacob wore the #11 jersey and was 11 when he was kidnapped from near his home in St. Joseph on Oct. 22, 1989. None of our runners had yet been born, but we parents remember. Every day is a gift.

Geezers

Another early-season favorite: the Geezer Chase 2-mile fun run in St. Louis Park. Non-CC runners (parents, siblings, and friends) get a 2-minute head start, and the CC runners chase the "geezers." Brings an entirely new level of motivation! :D Thanks to all for the fun and sportsmanship.