November 19, 2011
North Coast Sections. My last race ever for my high school running. I was so happy with my county time and place, I almost didn't have a goal for sections! Besides I knew I wanted to end my season and HS career on a good note. Well, it turned out that was in the plans.
My coach John Zinselmeir was unable to travel to Hayward because he broke his collar bone and was not advised to travel in long car rides. :( I was sad because he is my inspirational voice for all the races. My parents came! Because we were going to Santa Barbara for thanksgiving anyways so it was convenient for us. The weather was cold, but no rain! We were happy for that, very different than last year, which was ALL rain and yucky mud... Bang, the gun goes off and within the first 400m Maria, Alysia, Brenna and I are all pretty close together. That was fun. Within the first mile or so I proceeded to pass all of them. I continued to feel very focused and positive. I heard Amber say to me with about 800m left, "Dana, you are right on pace, you are doing great, just believe in yourself." It helped me get up the hill and I ran a 21:13 Three mile getting 27th place overall! I was very happy. and very tired. I couldn't take my timing chips off my shoes by myself, some stranger helped me. Thank you Stranger. Then I saw Carmen, she got 10th OVERALL! "I might be going to state!" She said. I got tears of happiness just for her. I was ecstatic. Even at that moment, everything felt like a dream. Wow. Carmen is maybe going to state!!
I was so happy it was over. All I had to do was watch the boys. Kevin and Jon wanted to go to state and had a good chance for the opportunity. I was so nervous and excited for them. Jonny ran a FABULOUS race, with PRing by a lot. You could tell the whole race he was running with no result but success. He never hesitated or stopped believing in himself. He got 10th overall, and just had to patiently wait to hear the results. HE ENDED UP BEING THE 2nd INDIVIDUAL TO QUALIFY FOR STATE. Only boy from Humboldt County!!
We headed to the girls awards for Carmen because we since them figured out that she was moving on. As they listed off individuals headed to state, Carmen's name wasn't called... Confusion set in. WHAT HAPPENED. I walked sullenly back to the rest of my team. (I was somewhere else trying to take a picture of Carmen). Amber walked away to look at results to figure out what happened, and she comes back and there is some chatter. Everything starts feeling like a dream of some sort. I look back at Jon, and he says, "I think you guys got third. What if you guys got third? Did you guys get third place?" I did not know what to say or feel. what? WHAT?! What does this mean? This is crazy! The announcer begins to list off the order of team placement. They get to 4th place fast and still not one McKinleyville muttered. WHAT. Did we get disqualified? What is going on? "And our third place team, they did not participate last year (as a team) will be going on to the State Championships from McKinleyville!" TOTAL SHOCK. A moment full of overwhelming emotions and joy. That was one of the first times I remember bursting into tears of happiness, and I guess shock as well. When something that unexpected and amazing happens, sometimes your body does not know how to respond. It was mind-blowing. Tears and laughter. It felt like forever soaking up the moment. The announcer then says, "Clearly this was unexpected" Yes, yes it was.
What a beautiful moment I hope to never forget because moments like that remind you why you work so hard. someday it will all be worth it. you will be rewarded. I may not get a moment like that one for a long time, but it will last me joy for a long time.
Did I mention I LOVE my Cross Country team? Our team deserved this glory.
