Closure: Leaving the Course for the Last Time

Cross Country season is over...all too soon. I am honestly so thankful I still have track to look forward to. Getting ready to qualify in the marathon!!! (say WHAAAT???)

The Crossroads League Championships (conference race) was two weeks ago; that was a memorable day. It reminded me why running all those miles last summer was worth it. The Spring Arbor University Track and Field men's and women's teams both came out to support us; there's not doubt SAU had the best represented (and loudest) fan base that day. It was pretty incredible to be a part of it all. 

Kyle Anderson and I both took first in the conference!!! I'm not sure, but historically I think that's pretty rare. Shout out to Noah Hoverdink and Nathan Anderson as well, both finished in the top fifteen (all conference). 

Finishing in the top five at conference landed me the opportunity to race in Lawrence Kansas on the Rim Rock Farm course at the NAIA National Championship race.

Let me tell you...

I loved every minute of it.

The course itself was a beast. Seriously, the most brutal 3.1 miles of my life. Hills. Hills. Hills and hills, especially in the third mile. I crossed the line at 18:35 and placed 33rd (6 seconds away from being an All-American! Ah...so close). Teammate Elley Hinkel flew out with me for moral support; I definitely could hear her screaming for me. She's hoping to make it out to the NAIA meet next year. I know she's absolutely capable. I'm excited for her season.

I wish I could devote more time sharing all the details, but to be honest the trip has put me majorly behind with homework and such...

So I will leave you with and article from the SAU Athletics website: www.saucougars.com/article/

Also, if you're a senior in high school (runner or not), and trying to decide where to go to school, come to Spring Arbor University. Over the course of these four years, this place has challenged my thinking and general understanding of life, enabling opportunities to live in community with some pretty incredible individuals, and (hopefully) set me well on my way to life beyond college and the cross country course.

SAU has become more than just some obscure college to which I randomly (and completely last-minute) decided to commit. The people I've met here and knowledge and experience I've been given will stay with me the rest of my life.

I feel ready for what's next (whatever that is), but I'm also thankful for the time here.

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