Hello TU Runners!

Yesterday was the St. Kate’s 4k CC event. As I was driving to St. Kate’s, I was thinking about how happy I was that we had a full team to run this meet. I was planning to sit this one out since I felt I needed a break from racing.

It was a cloudy, cool morning, with a light mist, the kind of weather that truly signifies that the cross country season has arrived. Just the day before, Marty and I went to watch the Griak Invite and I could not help think about my college days running cross country. There is only one thing that comes to my mind about CC and that is PAIN! This was confirmed as I watched the Women’s Gold division cross the finish line. There was one woman that really stood out. Her face looked as though she just sliced her finger with a knife! One by one they came flying down the hill with expressions of sheer agony. I was in pain watching them! To make matters worse, as Marty and I were walking back to our car, the finish line appeared like a war zone. Bodies were everywhere. Some were flat on their backs in pure exhaustion. Some were still bent over and it appeared like they were not going to move anytime soon. Some appeared as if they were going to puke. In fact, I think I had the dry heaves more in cross country than any other event I can think of! Yes, cross country is painful!

I guess we all have our reasons as to why we put ourselves through such agony, but there is one thing that makes cross country stand out as a runner and that is the emphasis of team. It’s the main reason I ran the sport in college. There is a bond that is created in cross country that is very special. There is something magical about it. As I watched the college women warm up for the race, I noticed that each “team” warmed up together, stretched together, and cheered together and so on. When the race started, one could not ignore the sheer dominance of the U of MN women’s team. I was told they have 55 runners and I believe it! They ran in packs! It had to be very intimidating to the other teams! However, whether your are a team of 55 or a team of 5, the one thing that remains the same is the bond you create with each other. We are all in this painful event together.

As I was warming up with the TU team for St. Kate’s (Pam, Anne, Amy, Donna and Julia), I also knew cross country season had arrived since the ground was wet! I think it only took five strides before my shoes and socks were completely soaked! However, what I noticed the most was that the bond was starting. The TU women pulled together as a team. Everyone warmed up together, they went to the bathroom at the same time, they changed into their spikes together, and they all walked to the start together. As I was watching the team run the race, I have to believe that it made it just a little bit easier to be out there for each of them knowing their teammates were also out there suffering! It was great watching each one finish with such will and determination. Then everyone came together to share their experiences. It was awesome to hear the stories.

I then realized how much I missed not being a part of it and it reminded me of why I like to run cross country. So to Pam, Anne, Amy, Donna and Julia: You are warriors! I applaud you for your sheer guts and determination to run an event that to me is very painful. You pulled together as a team! I am so proud of you all! Team results are at the following link: http://www.usatfmn.org/usatf-mn-st-kates-2008

The next CC race will be a 5k run in Eagan on October 11th. The race starts at 10:00 am. Please find information at the following link: http://www.raceberryjam.com/wildcat.html

It will be a bit more challenging pulling a team together since many of us will be running Chicago. So please consider running this event if you are able. Also, recruit anyone that you feel would be interested in joining the team. So far, I believe Pam, Julia and Donna expressed interested in running.

I want to close with a statement made by Julia after her race, which was “I feel like I’m going to puke”. I could not help but smile when I heard that statement. Yes, cross country has arrived.

Take care,

Deb