On Tuesday the varsity track team was required to help out with the junior high meet. I don't really mind because it means a day off from practice and it's fun to watch the meet. Ryan was competing and so Claire and I went to watch him throw discus. He did well and beat his personal record.
While we were waiting to watch him throw javelin I noticed a boy wearing star spangled socks. Allow me to describe them to you because they truly were just that. They came up past his ankles and declared American Pride to all nearby. One sock looked like a candy cane while the other was covered in blue stars. I pointed it out to Micah who was there to support Ryan.
As I was looking at them (and privately wishing I owned them) I recalled a picture Emily had showed me a few days prior which I will share with you:
It made me wonder since there was no American flag down by the field where the javelins were being thrown, if the national anthem was played, would we turn and face his socks?
To occupy ourselves in between Ryan's throws, Micah and I made grass javelin's and threw them as far as we could. The wind resistance seemed to be a significant issue. However, we carried on with our game. Micah's went much farther than mine, but most of mine did go forward, so I was pleased.
We would glance up to watch the competition now and again and I noticed that the boy with the star spangled socks did exceedingly well. Maybe those were his lucky socks. I don't believe items will bring you luck. However, I do believe that if you think they do, then they might help you. The mind is a powerful tool.
I caught myself thinking about his star spangled socks even later into the evening and couldn't help giving him a bit of credit for being so bold as to wear those socks to the meet. I applaud the star spangled boy and his socks.
Until Next Time,
Katherine Rose
This past week has been a busy one. Monday was the very first day of track and field and I went in ready to subject my eager limbs to all sorts of forms of grueling torture. Forcing myself to struggle through our warm up each day was a small victory in itself.
Jewel, Claire, Maddie and I all stuck together pretty well this week, but I have a feeling as we begin working on events, that will slowly change.
On Tuesday after practice, I came to the simple resolve that my legs had officially disowned me, but I was better off than Jewel. Her legs were shaking while she was simply standing there. I admire her for pushing herself that far though.
I persevered with the hope that it would get better. This year I am going to attempt high jump, pole vault and hurdles. On Thursday, since the weather was fair and we were outside for the day, I got my first taste of hurdles for the season.
Jewel and I went to experience the hurdles together. Claire wanted to come and try out hurdling as well, but she is not allowed because our coach has decided she is necessary for other events.
Maddie decided she wants to run distance. Such a brave soul. RIP Maddie. Basically, on Thursday as I was jumping over hurdles she was just running... the entire practice.
Friday it snowed, and we were forced back inside. I felt like I was on the home stretch because laid out before me was a relaxing weekend I just had to get there. Although, now I feel a sense of dread for Monday.
In two weeks, Junior High will join us for our practices. I have come to learn that most of the varsity athletes don't like the junior high kids very much, but I am looking forward to their presence.
I don't know why I plan on continuously showing up to these grueling practices, but something is making me climb into the car with Claire each day. Only time will tell if all of this was worth anything.
Until Next Time,
Katherine Rose
