The Hardy Party: State 2011

We got up this morning and headed to Lexington for the Kentucky XC State meet of Champions! We listened to our motivational cd Coach Jeff made for us all the way there!

The boys ate their muscle sandwiches right on time.....

Before we knew it we were there....and on the course walk through. This was so important this year...as our box was really bad...although we did not tell the boys that. Box position can really make a difference but... it is what it is!

Coach Jeff was with us in his own way.....

This race.....this day....mean a lot to my boys. They have both put their hearts into this season and this race is the grand finale. Since they are both top 7 on our team they will run in the 6th grade and under race. It is "the" race...the big one...the varsity race...the one where you can take a state title. This is the race you want to run in....although...part of me would love for them to run in their age appropriate races and shine...shine....shine.....it's harder to see the shine in a race this big...with kids much bigger than you. In a sense they sacrifice a trophy.....and a chance to podium individually...for the team. Although they don't see it that way because we don't present it that way...we tell them they are lucky....because truly they are.

At state you watch and you wait until it's your turn race......until you get that once chance to do something great......

Soon it was time....spikes were put on....

last minute encouragement was given.....

They were at the start line......you could feel the nerves in the air....they looked forward to an open field that would hold a race that meant the world to them.....

Riggs was visibly shaking......

My fun loving...happy go lucky Rollins was focused and quiet....in this moment I stood behind them and prayed for their nerve to calm....I hurt for them to feel the pressure...but was so proud of them for caring so much.....

The gun went off.....and they were gone....both having great starts....

but then the gun was sounded again...a false start! Sometimes they take the wind out of your sails...back they came to start again....but the second time is never the same....

Finally after what seemed like an eternity they were off....for real....400 kids trying for the race of their life....

Their starts were not as good the second time.......and the race was packed....I watched from a far as they struggled to pass...

At the long straight...past the last hill...I saw Brandt but no Riggs....even Brandt was struggling to find room to go....my heart sank...

and then I saw him....here came Riggs....still struggling to find his position....but trying so hard....

the race was so packed....I missed Rollins...he must have been covered by one of the massive 6th graders! At the finish line...I cheered as Riggs whizzed by.....still trying so hard...

and then my Rollins.....giving it all he had...

I was not sure how Riggs would be when I saw him...I was prepared for tears...but when I saw him...medal in hand...he was happy...

He came in 22nd....his goal had been top 15. All this sank in as we watched and waited for the other Goshen runners to run....all the "what ifs"....coulda....woulda....shouldas......it's normal I know....but you still hate it for them. He is quite a runner....

and Rollins who came in 123 rd was disappointed too....it's hard for him to see how amazing he was. All he could see was that he came in 123rd...he doesn't take into account as much that there were 400 kids in the race...many of them 6th graders.....and that he was the youngest....maybe the littlest kid. To run in this amazing race...and be top 7 on the team is awesome!