2021 CER Rescue Run–Ariel

   

Date/Location:	April  17, 2021 – Grass Valley, CA
Distances:	5km
Time:	25:57 PR!  (Previous PR 31:47, 2018)
Place:	Ariel: 1st Place, 0-12yrs; (4th Female OA)
Teammates:	Anna, Robin & Troy Soares; Ellie Nickel; Nick Lynch

Go!! I start running. Today I’m doing the rescue run 5k at CER. My friend Ellie is running it with me. I keep running and try to go faster. I run into a bend that directs me back to the starting line. I pass the starting line the opposite way now.

Now there is only a young girl my age and two older boys, probably in high school or college. I’m pretty sure I’m running too fast, but I really want to pass that girl. I can see up ahead of me, a tough hill that I’d soon be running up. I’m now almost to the hill, the girl in front of me slows to a stop at the bottom of the hill. I pass her. I run up the hill and run slowly at the top to catch my breath.

After the hill, there is a small downhill. I run down the hill and into a small wood. It’s very pretty. I run over two bridges and around some ponds. I see Anna and Ben cheering as I exit the woods. I run across a path surrounded on both sides by two ponds. I see one of the guys in front of me. I sprint and pass the guy. After I gain some space from him I slow down. I keep the first guy in front of me in the same spot and I don’t let him gain space from me.

I run up a steep hill and pass a cottage. I keep running up and up through some woods. The first guy stops and I try to catch him, but he hears I’m coming and begins to run. When I exited the woods I saw the trail I would be turning onto soon. The guy in front of me starts to walk again. He had just reached the top of the hill. I run fast to try to catch him but, I don’t gain much on him, since we are both going at the same pace. This is because I was running up a hill, while he was walking on the flat trail ahead. He starts running again.

I finally reach the trail. The trail is right next to a canal. I run for a while on the canal trail trying to catch the first guy. He keeps stopping and walking, while I jog. I stopped trying to sprint and just keep a steady jog because I wanted to save my energy and I was already tired. The guy would walk then sprint. He did that over and over again. Up ahead I spot an aid station the guy walks with his water. When I arrive I grab my water and run while I try to drink it in the effort of trying to catch up to the guy who had just started running. The water was hard to drink while I was running, so I slowed down to a walk to drink it. I gulped the water down and continued on the trail.

After running a little way I spot people running on a trail above me. I watch for mom or dad. I don’t see them so I stop looking for them since I’m tired. As I run little ways I hear dad shouting my name. I look at the trail above me and spot dad before he disappears into the trees. I keep running. The guy in front of me starts walking in longer sessions, but as soon as I’m close he sprints away.

Up ahead I spot a sharp turn. A course worker tells us to turn there. The turn brings us onto the path above the canal. I look down trying to spot people, but I didn’t see anybody. The guy in front of me keeps getting closer as I continue to jog while he runs or walks. Finally, he gives up and lets me pass him. I pass him. Behind me, I hear him sprint to catch up to me, so I sprint too. Then he stops and walks again.

As I run I look down to the canal and see some kids and adults running or walking. I spot a smiley face on the ground. That represents that there are no more hills. I give a silent cheer and thank God for getting me this far with so much strength. After running for a while I approach the aid station again. This time I did not get any water. The aid station merges onto the canal and I begin to run on it again in the opposite direction. I see people heading out. Mainly walker since all the runners started earlier.

I run on the canal for a while. I know I’m almost there. I exit the canal and go down a dirt path. I begin to recognize the path and know I’m almost there. I run faster and faster. I see the mile marker meaning the finish line is in sight. I run down steps and land on a bark-covered path. It’s the finish line straight away. Mom, Dad, Anna, and Ben are cheering me on. I give it my all and finish! I could not have done it without God though. He helped the whole way. Thanks to him I got first place in my wave and 10th overall.

2021 CER Rescue Run–Robin

Date/Location:	April  17, 2021 – Grass Valley, CA
Distances:	5km
Time:	25:57 (PR 23:59, 2016)
Place:	1st Place, 40-49; 2nd Female OA
Teammates:	Anna, Ariel & Troy Soares, Ellie Nickel; Nick Lynch

So great to be back at the Christian Encounter Ranch racing for these students and staff! We have brought our friends Ellie (13) and Ben (11) with us too. They are staying with us while their parents are on an adventure. I feel pretty wiped out from Ironman training and the busyness of life. But this race is for the Lord and the Ranch so I’m feeling hopeful I will still have a pretty good race. Feeling sad for Anna for popping (spraining) her ankle again. She's back in the boot and unfortunately on the sidelines. Ben has an injury too.

Troy and I warm up. The Ranch is nicely groomed, flowers are blooming and it's a sunny day. Great conditions! We run into one of our the new members of our track group, Nick. He's fast and likely will be at the front.

There are 3 waves of runners going. Troy and I seed ourselves in the 1st wave. Ariel and Ellie seed themselves in the 2nd wave. The leader of CER, Nate, thanks everyone for coming and talks about how the campus loves, disciples and encourages the lost teens/young adults who come here. He then leads us in prayer. Love that the Lord is King here!

Ok, go time! The communications director, Zack, starts the countdown. Ready, set…go! We jump off the line and head up the road to the work shed area. There are 2 women ahead of me. Then it's back to the main campus and UP…about 100 feet in a quarter mile! I am able to pass one woman and a young boy during the climb.

It flattens out a bit and we hit some technical trails along the ponds. This is where I slow down though I'm trying not to. I am such a scaredy cat on trails because I'm afraid of falling. The woman I passed passes me back. Up we go again about 100 feet in even less distance. I'm able to pass the woman again. I can see the other woman still ahead of me along with Troy. I wonder if I can close the gap.

Mile 1 is 9:17. I make it to the canal. Phew, the hardest spots are behind me now…I think! I do know that when I see the spray painted happy face on the ground that means no more climbing…I don't think we climb much more anyway. Troy and the woman are getting farther away even though I am picking up the pace.

Runners are already coming back on the trail on the other side of the canal. I see Nick and tell him good job. I am relatively alone. Now I cannot see anyone ahead or behind. I get to the turn that takes me to the upper trail along the canal.

Mile 2 is 7:54. Yay! Thanks God for a good split! I am confronted with some more hills. Oh man, I forgot it was rolling over here! Just got to make it to the happy face!! As I run back above the canal, I look for Ariel and Ellie below. I’m not sure when they started their wave.

After quite a bit of rolling hills, I finally see the happy face! Yes! I am still alone. I cross back over the canal to the flat trail and try to pick it up more. I get off the canal just before a large group of runners from the 2nd wave are coming up to the canal.

Down, down, down. I don't particularly like downhills because of the fall factor. I try my best to get my legs spinning. I get on the last trail down to the finish stretch. Another technical and steep trail. I am able to navigate with minimal slowing.

Mile 3 is 8:14. I sprint to the finish. I look up to God and thank Him. So good to be done.

The girl that finished ahead of me is a former intern at the Ranch. We congratulate each other. Now waiting for Ariel and Ellie to finish. Thank you Lord for a fun and safe event!

Troy & I warm-down afterwards along the trails..

2021 CER Rescue Run 5k - Troy

Date/Location:	April 17, 2021 – Grass Valley, CA
Distances:	5km
Time:	24:31  (PR 22:12, 2017)
Place:	1st Place,  50-59 (4th Overall)
Teammates:	Anna, Ariel & Robin Soares; Ellie Nickel; Nick Lynch

We love coming to Christian Encounters Ranch for this annual 5k run fundraiser.  The opportunities young teens have here are life changing.  They truly have “encounters” with Christ because nothing else could change their lives so dramatically.

The setting is beautiful.. ponds, trails, bridges.  And we get to run through it all!

My right heel has been painful lately.  The stretching I was doing doesn’t seem to help anymore.  But praying this morning, I am hopeful that God will still show me relief in some way.

After a welcome and introduction by the CER leaders, and a prayer before the race, we are ready to start the waves.  Robin & I in the first wave and Ariel in the 2nd.  Anna is still recovering from a badly sprained ankle.

Go!  Some young fast kids take the lead.  I see them go the wrong way but I’m not sure if the course had changed.  Others tell them quickly and we’re all on track.  A quarter mile and we come through the main area against amidst a lot of cheering!  It feels great.  Filled with appreciation.  Now up a steep section.. I do more of a shuffle to take strain off my heel.  I’m with Robin for a while.  We loop back down through narrows path and then around the pond.  There’s a girl ahead of me who is running well.

I get the idea to “relax” my rt calf.  The heal feels a little better.  I can still push off going up hill while relaxing it at the same time.  This is good!

Another steep climb to the canal.  I go by one of the CER leaders who is doing the race as well!

Mile 1: 9:25.  On the canal. Flat.  I grab water from the aid station.  I’m able to speed up, while relaxing the calf.  I pass the girl ahead and encourage her.  To the other side of the canal.  I see Robin doing well.  I look back across often to look for Ariel.. there she is!  In her bright yellow FCA shirt.  “Good job, Ariel!”. 

Mile 2: 7:41. These little rollers are getting tough.  Now where is that Smiley Face they painted on the ground indicating the last hill..  there it is, yay!  All down hill now.  Our friend, Nick, from Tuesday Night Track is ahead but on the descents he really opens up and pulls farther ahead.  I watch my footing as I try to navigate the stone stair-steps down the beautiful path. 

Mile 3: 7:12.  And now the final stretch along the main pond to the finish line.  Thank you, Lord, for such an encouraging race, so much better than I imagined.  24:08.  Robin and Ariel finish soon after and it’s a very enjoyable time hanging out at the Ranch.  Robin and I cool-down running around the property.

This is a view of the finish stretch

  Thank you, Lord, for CER!

Chanoko 31K-Robin-2021

Date/Location:	3/27/21 – Auburn to Granite Beach
Distance:	31K (Approx 19.5 Miles)
Time:	3:42:20
Place:	2nd (40-49 Females); 7th Overall Woman

This is my first actual race since the Napa Marathon in 2020. It’s also the first race to be held in our area in a long while. I’m glad to have the opportunity to race, even if I’m not really trained for “speed”. Fortunately, I do have some good miles under my belt.

I’m thanking God that I'm injury free. It’s a difficult and technical course today. A lot of downhills so I am concerned about some cramping in my quads recently when I tried running fast at track workouts. I am also concerned about falling on the trail. Because we leave for Disney World on Monday and I hope not to break a tooth or something that would require emergency dental work. Praying for protection.

Troy drops me off at the start. I check in and chat with one of the race directors Mark Shaw. He's so pumped to get his business going again. The state parks finally approved his permits.

At the start line I see Anna come running by with Oscar! Yay! It's so much better starting a race with family present! We hug.

Mark does his usual speech about how the race name came about during his business partnership with the other director, Bill Driscoll. I learn that when they were kids, before they became friends, they actually fought together on the playground.

Ok, time to start. Ready, set, go! Anna and Oscar hang back but follow within sight. We head down towards China Bar and I wave goodbye. I won't see her for over three hours. Even though it’s only 19.5 mi, because of the hills and trails, it’s takes practically as long as a marathon. I'm 5th woman at the moment.

Down, down, down we go to the river. I accidentally take a wrong turn. I hear someone say "that trail is longer but smoother". Phew, at least I'm not gaining an advantage. I get back on the right path behind a woman that was behind me. I wonder if I'm 6^th or 7^th now.

Mark is along the river taking pictures. The woman in front of me starts to slow as we hit a hilly section. She lets me pass. Good, now I can get ahead on these hills before I have to slow again, out of caution, on the downhills. Most runners fly by me on the downhills. I'm feeling strong.

I'm averaging around 9:15 at Mile 4/5. Two years ago I averaged 10:13 so hope to stay close to that. I've pulled ahead of the pack of runners I was running with and catch some new runners. Last time I ran along this trail I remember studying the river trying to figure out if my friends and I could swim from this area near my house down to Rattlesnake bar 5mi away. Sadly, the river is very low. Just not enough rain.

I know we are getting close to the PG&E water power station where the trail widens. I can hear some footsteps behind me and I pick it up so I don't have to pull over before the wide section. There are actually several groups of recreational runners coming the other way and they are so kind to pull over and let the racers go by...and a lot more racers behind me will be going by!

I make it to the wide section just in time for the guy behind me to pass. I tell him good job. He runs by like I'm invisible. He's in the “zone” I suppose. The normally cute Avery Pond along this part looks more like a mud pit. Boy, we need rain!

Mile 9. 9:40 pace average. I get to the aid station in Rattlesnake Bar. I fill up my water, get some pretzels and say thanks. It's going to be tougher now to keep the pace because of the rocky terrain.

My legs are feeling really wiped out. With each step I’m noticing it more and more. Now every little step up or down is starting to become torture. I am also tripping a lot and fearful of getting hurt right before our Disney World trip on Monday. I try to call Troy but I have no cell service. Lord, please help me gut this out. My pace has slowed significantly but at this point there is nothing I can do. It’s such a tough trail. I trip again and shout out “this is ridiculous!”. Around the corner comes another group of recreational runners and I’m embarrassed for my outburst.

Around another corner I see Troy and Anna! I hug Troy and start to cry. I tell him about the pain and fear and he prays for me. I ask him what to do and he tells me I just need to keep on persevering to the finish. I thank the Lord for placing Troy and Anna at the right place at the right time. I keep pressing on.

Mile 13. 10:37 pace average. Just over 6 miles to go. I can do this. The terrain is even rockier and requires a lot of stepping up and down. The pain and discomfort is constant. I feel like I’m inching along but I’m getting closer to the end.

A guy in white shirt goes by and I feel the Lord say to go with him. I’m actually able to “pick it up” some and keep him in sight for the next few miles. It’s a nice mental challenge that helps me go a tiny bit faster. I’m averaging 11:26 pace now. I’ll take it!

I finally make it to the outskirts of the Granite Beach park. I catch up to the guy in white and pass him. I tell him good job. I stop briefly at the aid station and then continue on.

Only 2.5 miles to go! I can do that! I run down a road for a moment. Our friend Cliff Appleby is directing us back onto the trails. He asks if I need anything and I tell him, “prayer.”. He says a prayer for me right there. “Thank you, Cliff!” And thank you Lord for that encouragement!

At this point there might be mtn bikes passing me on course so I try to stay to the right edge of the trails. Just keep running, just keep running! I’m looking forward to stopping. The discomfort is so hard!

I look at my watch and wonder if I can go under 3:45. Last time I went under 3:20.

As I approach the last mile, I see Troy and Anna again. I tell them the Lord is getting me through. This last mile is basically flat and a nice wide trail. I’m actually able to pick it up and run sub-10 min pace. Wow! Thank you Lord! Every step gets me closer. It’s not long before I am approaching the finish. I look up to heaven as I cross the line. Thank you Jesus! That was so hard but you got me through! I ended up averaging around 11:25 pace and was under 3:45! It was a good exercise in perseverance for sure. Now time to get ready for Disney World!

Elf Run Virtual 10K–Ariel - 2020

Date/Location:	12/12/20 Sacramento
Distance:	10K
Time:	55:49
Place:	TBD
Teammates:	Anna & Troy Soares

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go!” mom yells. I start running on a small path, with Anna and Dad in Riverbend Park. I’m doing my first 10K; it’s called the Elf Run. Sadly, it is virtual, that’s why I’m running with Anna and Dad. Mom will meet us at the finish line. We are still doing the race where it was initially, which is Sacramento. The race starts in Riverbend Park next to Eppie’s Great Race memorial and ends on a smaller version of the Golden Gate bridge. Dad, Anna, and I turn onto a long bridge called the Harold Richey Memorial Bridge. Many people are running, walking, or biking. Some cross-country runners pass us. Dad tells us about the Eppie’s Great Race. Finally, we get to the end of the bridge.

The bridge is connected to a bike path. While running on the bike path, I began seeing numbers on the ground at every half mile. My dad told me that they were telling you how many miles until you reached Sacramento. He said when the numbers on the ground say eight, I would be at the bridge. Before we reach mile one, Anna and I take a restroom break. I don’t have to go, but the next bathroom is a long way away.

Next to the bike path, there is a small dirt path. Sometimes I run on it because there is no room on the bike path or I accidentally start running on it. We start talking about Wyatt’s race and how he would be running much more than me. He would be running about 17 times more than me. He would be running 100 miles.

At mile 3 I began to feel a little tired. Anna and Dad motivate me by telling me at Mile 4 ½, I would get to eat my honey gel. Anna and Dad start to joke around. They talk about, what if some were to lie on a bench and sleep then catch up to the people in front. Anna decided to do that. She lied down on a bench until we just passed, then she got up after about 10 seconds and ran after Dad and me. When we get to another bench; she does the same thing. This time Dad gets a picture.

I’m feeling more tired now. The miles and ½ miles are going by really slow. I have reached mile 4. There’s a bathroom there. Dad asks me if I have to go. I tell him I don’t. Anna reminds me that it’s only ½ mile until I get to eat my gel. I keep looking for the 9 ½ marker, because that means I can eat my gel. The trail is shady now. Finally, I get to the 4 ½ mile marker. I get to drink my gel. I open up my gel and start eating it. It's honey and it tastes so good especially after running for a long time. I keep eating it slowly, because it’s hard to eat something while running. There are a couple short hills. They're small but feel big. Dad tells us to run down the hills and coast up the other side, so we don’t waste energy. Anna starts talking to this lady. We pass the lady. Anna tells us that the lady was doing a marathon and that there was a virtual marathon going on.

I look up on the path and see someone in yellow. I realize it’s mom. It’s starting to get less shady. Now it is less shady. I have reached a ½ mile. I run under a bridge. I can see the “Golden Gate” bridge.  I start running faster. The bridge gets closer and closer. I get on the bridge. I can see where I’m supposed to finish. Anna runs ahead to get a picture. I’m right behind her. I sprint. The finish line is right in front of me. I cross it.

My time is 55:49.

Wild Turkey 10k (Troy)

Date/Location:	11/26/20 Beale’s Point
Distance:	5.8mi (~10k)
Time:	45:37
Place:	7th male
Teammates:	Anna Soares, Suzanne Hartley

Wow, because of the COVID shut-downs, this is the first in-person race I’ve done since the beginning of March!  We’re so appreciative to have the opportunity to do this.  The local running store, The Aid Station, is putting this on in conjunction with the State Parks at Beale’s Pt near Granite Bay.  It’s a perfect, slightly breezy and cool morning. 

Our FCA Endurance teammate, Susanne, is also here.  Robin, Ariel and Oscar will support as Anna & I run.

We watch Susanne take off with the 5k race.  The 5 of us pray together and commit to give God the glory in all our efforts.  Now it’s our turn.  We have our masks, get our temp checked going into the corral, and space out at the start line.

Our watches are set for 8:00 pace.  Race director, Paulo, gives the signal and we’re off!  We take off and stow our masks as we head over the levy to the fire-road below.  We’re a little chilly but the hill ahead promises to warm us up.

I’m so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to run again!  My right heel had gotten more painful over the last couple years until I wasn’t running at all by the end of summer.  Our friend and champion runner, Baily Cossentine, gave me some advice on running form and I was able to start slowly jogging again.  And then later I was given a stretch that helped even more.  These are gifts from God and I have a greater appreciation for running because of it.  Not only am I able to run longer with Anna, but I can actually keep up as well

Mile 1. 7:42. I have to stop as my right shoe is tied too tight.  Eventually I’m able to catch up to Anna but it isn’t easy.  We’re on the fire roads to the Water Tower Hill which I expect we will climb straight up.  We comment on the runners ahead.. we see 2 women and 6 men.

At 1.5 miles we’re cheered on by Robin and Ariel with Oscar looking so eager to join in!

2 more men pass us and another woman is now running along with us.  She pulls ahead effortlessly on the ups but then fades back on the downhills.  It’s like she’s doing a casual workout.

Mile 2. 7:35.  The course now takes us around the Water Tower Hill and up the gradual side rather than the steep side which is nice.

Although I’m running much better, I have to constantly remember my form of shorter stride and quick pull-back of the fore-foot strike.  If I don’t, I start to feel pain.  Anna pulls ahead on the climb but I work hard to keep close.

Mile 3. 8:45. Down the steep descent is treacherous but no problem for Anna.  We’re on pace but it’s getting harder.  I remind Anna to drink and I do as well.  Everyone carries their own water  (no aid stations).  It’s good to hear Ariel cheering up ahead and see Robin and Oscar as well. It’s hard to talk but I smile and am so glad to see them.

Mile 4. 7:27.  I watch my footing as we descend again into the trails.  A guy ahead asks which way to go and Anna is quick to point out the ribbons for all of us to follow.  After a while at another intersection she sets us straight again.  I’m glad someone is paying attention.

Mile 5. 7:50.  I realize, with Anna’s kick, if I’m going win, I’m going to have to pass her a mile out so I make my move now…  I get ahead, but only for a while.  Then she takes the lead again, but goes off course.. This time it’s me that points the way, but she loses little time and takes the lead again.  Now it’s the final hill (and I realize the race will be a little short).  I watch and hope as Anna charges the hill trying to catch the #2 woman.  I also give it my best. 

Over the top and we’re cheered towards the finish.. although I get confused where to go because I see Anna coming from behind some trees… I guess she went the wrong way.. but it all works out.  She finished 3rd woman and I finished 7th male.

Thank you, Lord, for letting us race again after almost a year and letting my foot get better to run!

Wild Turkey 10k (Anna)

Date/Location:	11/26/20 Beale’s Point
Distance:	5.8mi (~10k)
Time:	45:02
Place:	3rd female
Teammates:	Troy Soares, Suzanne Hartley

3, 2, 1, Go. I start running and take off my mask and put it in my vest. As I'm doing this my headband/ear warmer starts to fall off. I grab it just in time. I'm running with my dad and I hoping that if it's God's will that I can beat him in the end. I’ve just recovered from a hip injury and I'm hoping that it won't act up to in the race. We start to run down below the side of the Levee and we get ready to run back up it. It's pretty cold out but this uphill will hopefully warm me up. At the top of the hill, I'm all warm and my dad and I start to count and memorize the people ahead of us. I know that there are two girls ahead and one girl next to me. If I want to make the podium I'm going to have to stay ahead of the girl next to me. Running around the road and over across another Levi.

I've run here before with my cross country team and it was pretty flat. But we're going on another part of it where there are more trails so it will get pretty hilly. My dad has a lot of people ahead of him and it will probably be pretty difficult for him to get on the podium.

Mile 1. 7:41. As we're running along we start to pass the 5k’ers that had gone before us. I'm kind of surprised were passing them so soon. By now I'm starting to get a little bit ahead of my dad. I'm feeling pretty good and trying not to go too fast so I have energy at the end.

As I go around the corner I see Mom, Ariel, and Oscar in the distance. My dad caught back up and now we're running together. We go past mom and Ariel and they cheer us on. Now we're going out on the trails, it's about to get hilly.

Mile 2. 7:45.  Yes, only 4 more to go.  The girl is still next to me and I've found out that on the uphill she pushes it pretty hard but on the downhills, I can get ahead of her. I try to use the downhills to my advantage. As we continue running, my dad tells me that we're going to be going up a super steep hill that leads to the water tower. When we get close to the super steep hill we pass it. My dad says that the course is going to have us go down the steep hill instead. Supposably the other side is an easier climb, yay. My dad reminds me to drink some water, it's a good thing he does because I probably won't drink for the rest of the run. As we make the loop around, we're all mainly staying together. There are a few people in the distance and the girl still right next to us.

We run up, down, and around.  We turn and start going up the other hill to the water tower. I recognize this spot from the Chanoko 5 mile run. It is a pretty hard climb and I try not to let the girl get farther ahead of me. She pushes it up the hill but as she gets close to the top she starts to walk. Now is my chance. I tried to push hard up the hill but not enough to waste a ton of energy. I'm able to just pass her as I get to the top.

Mile 3. 8:33. My legs are like jello when I go from pushing up a hill to flat and they're exhausted. We start to go down the super steep side. It might have been better that we'd come up this side because we're running so fast down it and it's kind of dangerous. My dad tells me not to twist an ankle. I normally twist ankles a lot but I'm going to try to keep my feet firm here. I go down dodging the rocks and trying to keep a good speed so I can gain distance from the girl behind me. My knees are kind of getting a little sore going down this, but I'm almost to the bottom. I see a guy in front of me turn back onto the trail and I follow. We get back onto the trail we were on and start running back towards the levee where Mom and Ariel are. I'm feeling pretty good and we are almost done with this course. I see a younger boy who had started in the lead, I put him as my target. As we run around curves, uphill, and the downhills I'm slowly gaining. I pass him and tell him good job. I also hear my dad's breathing behind me, so he caught up to me again. I don't hear the girl so that's a plus. I know we're getting close to Mom and Ariel.

Mile 4. 7:33. We see Mom and Ariel and they cheer us on. They tell us that a friend of ours is up ahead. They also tell me I'm the third girl and should try to catch the second girl. Right now all I want to do is just stay ahead of the girl behind me. Sadly we don't continue on the levee and we go back on the trails where it's nice and hilly, boo. There's a guy up ahead and he looks back to ask where to go, I see a flag on a bush branch and tell him to go left. As we go through the winding trails we come to another intersection and the guy starts to go the wrong way. I quickly tell him to go left where the flag is. They have really bad markings, there's no chalk, there are only little flags in different spots to tell you where to go. They need to do a better job next time at marking the course. As we continue on the trails I continue to keep my eyes open for the flags to help guide the people behind me the right way. Later after the race, I found out the girl behind us got a little bit lost because she couldn't see where we went.

Mile 5. 7:44. We're so close to being done! But now it feels like I'm in a dream and I'm trying to run but I'm not going anywhere. My legs are dead and it takes so much effort just to move them. I hear my dad behind me and I tell myself I'll have a good attitude if he beats me. Surprisingly I stay ahead of him for a little bit but then he passes me. I get right on his tail though and I don't let him get any further ahead of me. We're coming up to a downhill and I'm able to get ahead. I know the downhill will help me get a teeny bit ahead of him. I run down the trail and across a road and continue on the trails. I can see the Levee way up above and I know we will soon have to run up it. I'm on a winding trail and I try not to let my dad pass me. I continue to force my legs to move and I have no idea how much longer my legs can go. I'm trying to keep my form good but I'm very tired. Hopefully, if it's God's will I will not be hurting my hip right now. I go around the corner and I see a girl ahead of us starting to go up the levee. Okay, this is the last hill and then the finish line. I know I just have to stay ahead of my dad. As I'm running my dad tells me that I missed the little cross-part over the small rock gorge. I jump from where I am and I make it over. Too bad I had to jump and use some of my energy.

I'm coming up to the levy and I try to get my legs going pretty fast. It's like God is pushing me up that hill because I have energy and once my legs started moving they didn't stop. I didn't know if they could keep me going this speed all the way up the hill. The top of the hill keeps getting closer and closer and I'm hoping I can just keep this momentum to the top. I know my dad is not close behind me for now. I get to the top and I'm tired. I'm not sure where to go. I see a trai off to the left so I start going down it. I get to the bottom and I realize I went to the other side of the finish line. I curve back and go into the finish line and finish. I went a little bit of the wrong way at the end, but it didn't add much distance, I still had the same race distance as my dad's.

I finish the race and collapse after pointing to God going through the arch.

God gave me a lot of strength especially up that Levee and now I could just rest and get my calories back at Thanksgiving. I thank God for giving me a great race, keeping my hip well, helping me get 3rd, and letting me beat my dad. The course was a little short so if it was the right distance my dad could have beat me, who knows. Happy Thanksgiving!

Praise The Lord For He Is Good His Love Endures Forever