The Race

     The greatest feeling in the world would have to be breaking that tape at the end of 3.1 miles of toil, sweat, blood, and tears. The greatest race I've ever ran in was probably the Central City cross country invite in my sophomore year.

     It started out as the perfect day to run. The temperature was about sixty degrees, there was no wind, and a light sprinkle was coming down on the flat course. I warmed up in the usual way: warm-up mile, jogging to give the girls their waters, and plyometrics. We had all gotten to the starting line. We did our stride outs, pre-race chats, and we were all lined up. Then came the gun.

     Now Central City is one of our more difficult meets. Our school is in the smallest class in the state, and at this meet we see anywhere from the smallest to the second largest. During this year, the previous Class B champion was also running for Lexington. This year our team was to win it's first and only Cross Country State Team title, but we were still nowhere near the ability of Lexington.

     We shot out from the line like race horses biting at their bits. Loads of state medalists were at this meet. Hans Epp, Jahn Ladrigan, Franklin Ibarra, and me. The first mile was exhilarating. Everyone was switching places, first place was never the same for long, and then something happened. I and the previous state champion, a guy whom I had only hoped to stay with, pulled away from the pack. I felt amazing! When we hit the second mile, it was just us two. At one thousand meters to go, I took off. All that was on my mind was this guy's kick, and my lack thereof. I crossed the line in first place with my personal record. The most amazing thing was that I felt as though God had actually helped me through the race. It was amazing. I actually felt like I was running WITH God. This is the feeling that most Christian runners look for. God gave me an amazing race, and I gave it back to Him in the interview after. Always give the glory for any success you have to God, because it's always Him who allows you to do well!