Jamison and 6 members of his cross-country team had the awesome opportunity of running at the Nike Heartland Regional Cross Country Meet over the weekend. It was the first major race I have ever been attended. It was HUGE. Seven states were represented and 2200 high school students raced. There was music blaring, an announcer commentating, and instant race results showing up on a computerized board.
Needless to say, it was a very fun environment!
Jamison's coach expects great things from his team. Though they are not quite at a place where they are competitive at races like this, yet, he is helping them gain experience at big races in preparation for future years. It is really exciting to me that they had this opportunity.
Jamison's team is wearing navy speed shorts and blue, red, and white striped jerseys. Since this meet is not sanctioned by the state of ND, the can not wear their usual uniforms. These are "throw-backs" once worn at CHS in the 1980s. The guys loved them.
JD is in the center of the pack above.
This race course was totally flat, with the exception of a couple of obstacles.
These BMX-like bumps are called whoop-de-doos (for real).
It was a series of about 4 steep hills in a row.
The other obstacle was this series of straw bales placed at the one and two mile marks.
Jamison ran better than he did at state, but not the best he has run this year.
He was not thrilled with his race and not terribly upset either.
Although he does not think it affected his race, he had a terrible migraine headache shortly after his cool down. The final races of the day were incredible to watch. In the final race, 5 guys ran neck in neck and together crushed the course record. It was really exciting. JD hardly noticed. He was dozing on the grass and his team mates would wake him up each time they moved to a different spot on the course to watch the race. Talk about miserable! Thankfully, after a couple of Advil, a bunch of water and Coke,and a nap he felt better and made it home with out tossing his cookies in the ditch.
Thus ends his Sophomore Cross Country Season.
It was a season of us and down.
A lot was learned.
Much growth happened.
I am already excited for next year!
