When I found out I qualified to footlocker nationals, along with Steven Cross, I couldn't believe I was going to fly out of Florida again for a second time to get the chance to meet professional athletes and race amongst the top high school athletes in our nation. Coming from Nike Nationals last year, I had a lot of expectations of Foot Locker and I couldn't wait to see what they had in store for everyone.
I flew out on Thursday morning and got to San Diego in the afternoon. Right when I walked into the Hotel del Coronado Foot Locker provided us with tons of gear. Getting use to the time change wasn't fun at all, although sitting down for dinner along with professional and Olympic athletes didn't sound too bad. I was able to meet Alan Webb, Adam Goucher, Kara Goucher, Mary Cain, and Meb! It was so inspiring to speak to them. I even got to run with Ryan Hall for most of my recovery run right before dinner!
Early Friday morning we all ate breakfast and then left to have a preview run of the course. The course was muddy and difficult to run on, but I knew the weather was going to be great the next day so I wasn't to worried about it being an issue on race day. The rest of the day was great and I was able to bond with the south team and meet a lot more people out of the south group. We had dinner again along with most of the Olympians and then they had an open panel of questions for all of them which was really neat. Everyone went to bed early since we had to be up the next day by 6 am.
Usually when I wake up for race days I get really nervous and I barely have an appetite for breakfast. For some reason though I was just anxious and excited to step on the line and hear that gun go off. The race began around 10:30 am and nothing was going through my mind except all of the hard work I've put in this season.
Unfortunately, I did not get out as aggressive as I should have the first mile which jeopardized my entire race. After the race was over I went to congratulate all of the south guys and give a hug to my coach. Even though its the race we both didn't want we were happy about the great season I've had and we can't wait now to have my first injury free track season since my freshman year! I also told Grant Fisher congrats on being the back to back Foot Locker National title holder.He is truly a humble and class act runner.
After that we went back to the hotel to take a picture with all of the guys and girls that qualified and took some interviews. I finally got to spend some time with my coach and his wife and we we able to see the US Midway which was pretty cool. The banquet was great also and for the rest of the night I was able to hang out with all of the south guys and just about everyone else. The Foot Locker experience couldn't have been better.
Ending my high school cross country career I'm glad I have accomplished most of my goals. The only goal I have yet to accomplish is breaking 15 flat for the 5k, but I'm just really glad at the same to time to represent Florida and be able have the honor to experience both Nike Nationals and Footlocker Nationals. I can't pick a favorite because both were just really incredible experiences that I'll never forget.
I want to thank Coach Shaw for really believing in me through this whole journey. It feels just like yesterday when I got 44th place at states my freshman year on the Little Everglades Ranch. Up to this point I don't regret any injury that has happened. If anyone has taught me to learn from them it would be you. Thank you also to Coach Castaing for starting a weight training program with all of the cross country runners this year. It really did make a difference for me and my season wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for you. Lastly, I'd like to congratulate everyone this season who have accomplished their goals and say thank you for everyone who has stuck with me through this journey . See you guys during the spring for track season!
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