At a cross country race, it is sometimes difficult to get every runner crossing the finish line. The slower runners who come in near or at the end are sadly missed in order to catch the start of the next event. As a photographer, I am always looking for the next best shot, something that really catches my eye, whether it is the perfect sunrise over the lake at the flrunners.com meet, or the chance to catch the fight for first place at the finish line.
Recently, something did catch my eye and it wasn't at the finish line, or even close - Middle School runner, Seana Jones. If there is any runner who embodies what cross country is all about, Seana is it.
The 8th grader from Liza Jackson Preparatory School is not the fastest runner on the team. In fact, when she started running cross country in 7th grade, she was coming in dead last. Her time in the two mile started at 27:46.
As adults, we sometimes allow ourselves excuses for not doing the things we know we should be doing. Sometimes we just give up. And it would have been very easy for Seana to do the same. It takes a lot of determination to finish last at every race and want to get up the next day and still train.
Coach Mike Ammons has been there since Seana started running, pushing her, giving her constant support and helping her believe that she can do it. Coach Ammons recalled Seana wanting to quit the team because she thought she wasn't fast enough. "It's not about speed or if you're one of the fastest," he instilled in her.
"I told her it is more about the lifestyle, about getting healthy. You have to have that before you can be fast," encouraged Coach Ammons, cheerfully adding that Seana offers inspiration to the team.
Part of Seana's determination does come from the need for a lifestyle change. "I started running to lose weight." Coming from a family with a history of diabetes, Seana needed to get healthy. And she is well on her way. Throughout the past year she has lost over 20 pounds and is starting to feel good about herself. "I didn't have much self confidence, when I started running." That has certainly changed for Seana.
Thinking back to the beginning of the 8th grade season Seana remembers with a renewed attitude, "I didn't care that I was last, I just wanted to finish."
Her mom recalled that when Seana first started running, she and Seana worked to find the right pair of shoes. Many times, Seana had blisters on her feet from shoes that didn't fit quite right. "She just kept running. She has more heart that any kid I know," her mom added.
Seana has more than earned the respect of her teammates and coaches. This year, Seana was unanimously elected team captain. Members of the girls and boys teams chimed in and enthusiastically stated that she is such an inspiration to them. "She's a great friend, we all love her," eagerly added Dean Weaver from the boys team.
Coach Lynn Clark noted that Seana is trainable. "She is what every coach hopes to get in an athlete. Her heart and head are there." Her training and her heart have more than proven that with hard work and strength of mind, anyone can achieve their goals.
By the end of her 7th grade season, Seana had dropped more than 5 minutes off her time, finishing the season with a PR of 22:25. At the beginning of her 8th grade season, she dropped even more time starting with a 20:19 at time trials. She ended the season at the JV County Championships with a new PR of 19:25.
"It is inspiring seeing the change from last year to this year," coach Stephanie Schaffer smiled. "Seana is intrinsically motivated, dedicated."
Watching Seana run gives me chills every time. She has a passion and drive that seems to just emanate from her. And as she crosses the finish line, she is smiling with confidence having met this race's challenge and rising to the next. Seana always has a certain glow about her now, surrounded by her teammates, her friends, her new found confidence helping to push her farther.
Next year, Seana will run for Fort Walton Beach High School. The end of her middle school cross country season is a bittersweet moment, but Seana is excited at what lies ahead and what she can offer her new team in high school. "I can give them my spirit."