I vividly remember being in the 4rth grade and having to run in gym class. Kind of a prep to see who might consider Track someday? Katie Horstman was our gym teacher, a running Legend here in Minster. We ran from wall to wall in the (now Elementary) gym. I remember winning, and Katie telling me I would run someday. Not that I'm regretting anything, but I have wondered if I could have or should have tried. I was not part of the popular groups, and it seems like, from what I can recall from Jr. High, those are the ones that tried everything. I guess I was afraid. Afraid of not being successful, afraid of embarrassing myself.. I guess it was just easier to not try then to put it all out there.
Then I get three girls who can run! They all started running CYO in Toledo as kindergardners!! 15 years later, running is Jenna's life. Sure, she attends classes and is maintaining her 3.5 GPA necessary for her Honor's Program, but running comes first. She lives and breathes to run. Not because she has to, not because someone else wants her to, but because it's become a part of who she is....
Lauren has had a rough road with injuries and frankly not the greatest couple of CC and Track seasons, but I have to wonder if she is headed for this same path that Jenna is on. I witnessed her talent and determination as a Freshman trying and succeeding in beating her older sister during Cross Country season. (Which according to Jenna back then was "never going to happen.") To cap it all off she finished the State race 3rd on the team with a broken foot. From what I've learned, it kind of takes over and invades your "being".
Natalie, in my opinion is born to run. She has longer legs than her sisters and more of a natural ability than the other two. What is lacking in raw ambition is made up in a gift. Her potential is yet untapped. I am so looking forward to seeing her progress and grow in the many ways this sport allows.
So, where I guess I failed myself when I was younger, I have been able to make up in the form of supporting, motivating, pushing, and persevering with them through the many ups and downs of this rigorous and mentally taxing sport and lifestyle.
I've learned many lessons from them. It isn't just about winning the race. I've learned and grown from their mental stamina that must accompany them throughout the training, the injuries, the heartbreaks, the sacrifices (and there are many!) and the ability to persevere through the gloom of clouds to the sunshine of success!
Good Luck Jenna, Lauren and Natalie in all your future endeavors. I am so proud of you and what you all have taught me along the way!
Note: The title of this post is from Jenna and Lauren's CC season 2006, and was on the back of their t-shirts. This is the year they traveled and ran in Alabama, were ranked Nationally, then lost in the State Championship.
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