Litchfield

Because of the heavy rains earlier in the week, the course was creatively rerouted to run partly on the golf course but mostly on the roads. It was a new situation for most of our runners as few had road-racing experience; but the flat, mostly-paved course provided the opportunity to run especially fast. Fast running times aside, what was most exciting to see was the teamwork on the varsity boys' team, where our 2nd through 6th runners held a 16-second spread at the finish. Their JV comrades are closing in, and it's fun to watch. On the girls' side, there were a few major time drops, and we're hoping that boosts their confidence. We've emphasized strength more this year, which is important for these young women in many ways. Nighthawk strong!

Rocori

Another unseasonably hot September day. The weather this season has been a surprise for everyone, but spirits remain positive and we roll with it. This was also a tough meet competitionwise, with almost all teams coming from AA schools. Still, the Nighthawks hung in there and gave their all.

Mora

Hot! That's the best way to describe this meet. Since this is the location of the Section 5A meet this year, we wanted to check it out. This meet's novelty was cookies (instead of medals or ribbons) for top finishers. Lots of good work out there, and now we know what to expect at the end of October!

Track on Grass

Litchfield is one of those beloved "track on grass" type courses--flat and FAST! It also comes near the end of the season, so although it's a hefty drive (thank you, team parents!), it's a pretty good recipe for lots of PR's and team records. And typical of this season, rain was involved, but fortunately it waited until the tail end of the event.

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. ;)

Planks?

This is where you hang out after a rainy-day run. Seems to work for stretching, but old barn floors aren't exactly ideal for ab work, so it gives all new meaning to "planks"! :D

Sunshine

Finally--a beautiful day for a track meet!

Morale Boost

Another meet postponed due to the weather. :/ Hmm... Is there *any* opportunity here? Run + snacks + back(barn)yard skills practice = morale boost. :) Thanks for being flexible, everyone!

Rain

Relocated practice today due to the weather (our first-choice hill was muddy). Started in the barn after a bit of rain, but the heart of the workout was clear--and it turned out to be a more successful workout than we'd originally planned! As soon as we returned to the barn, the downpour came. Wish I had a photo of the kids who took advantage of the shower. :) Thanking God for the little things.

Burned

Cold days are also good for building fires. After our run, we talked about the lies that come into our minds when we're tired or hurting--especially in a race--but also the lies about who we are. We wrote them on notecards and burned them. Maybe next time I'll think to bring marshmallows. This week we head into the post season--the Section meet!

Chilly

What do you do for end-of-season morale when it's cold and raining? Go for a run, play a game, and come back to the barn for hot cider and popcorn. Of course you do. ;)

Facilities

Me, noting the facilities at a big Class AA cross country meet: "I'm sorry guys, I can't give you a fieldhouse."
Nighthawk runner: "What's a fieldhouse?"
Me: "Kind of like our barn. A place to stretch when it's raining.";)

Rum River

Yesterday's team talk was on "racing": finding someone to run with and sticking with them, taking control versus letting the race happen around you. Life lesson, really. And these kids think we're just coaching them to *run*. ;)

Unfortunately most of today's races were thunderstormed out, but I did get this shot of the girls' varsity race that demonstrates the concept. She took the message to heart, maintained contact to take 6th place, and came within 2 seconds of the 20-minute barrier--so close, but still worth a t-shirt and a big PR. Wouldn't you know, one of her favorite stories was of chatting at the starting line with her competitors about runners' tan lines...but during the race, it was really quiet (except for the spectators, of course).

Gotta love cross country.

Rain

What cross country practice looks like when it's pouring rain and your team is based at a farm... And of course you go out and run anyway! I was pretty impressed by the enthusiastic attitudes out there, I must say.