It was 2010 – we were in a caravan of XC athletes from Seaford, DE, Cody, Steve, Jacques, Radmes (RANDY< LOL), Alex, Tynetta, Christian, Deanna, there were more I was sure but I do remember – Chinese Fire Drill, collision, braces stuck in my upper lip and still running the craziest Bull Run Race ever, (stories stories stories) – The Smith’s caravan of goodness making this trip memorable, and an amazing day of pain and awe as well, I was sure Hannah was with us as well.   it was Bull Run to the max:

Then it was 2009 – Mackenzie, Deanna, Macey, Alex, Jordan, Jacques, Cory, Tim, Jon, Cody, Randy, Jennifer, Chris

This was just an amazing event and memory.  Yet, September 8th approaches and for the first time in maybe has it been 8 years?  We return to Killen’s Pond for the Lake Forest Invite. 

I can’t begin to tell you how much this brings back – ridiculous amount of memories and feelings that are difficult to put into words.  Yet, today, one of the first times since I left for Mexico over 7 years ago, I ran and sweated more than I can remember, and seeing the amazing young runners that are re establishing a team after at least 7 years at Woodbridge – and finding myself here?  It just came out like this today:

“It starts with reaching down deep and putting all you have on the course – and if others are your teammates, they will pick up anything you drop on the course along the way! “

There are so many gifts given from Coach Smith, Doakes, Perciful, Hood, and of course Morris, I feel that some things become full circle – at the most unexpected times.  I thought I would never return to the XC circuit again – and I can’t describe what it is like gaining running leges again on some quite familiar surroundings.  It is simply life.