Final Cross Country Competition

 Over the weekend, our entire family traveled with the MS and HS cross-country teams for the end-of-season conference.  The girls raced a 3.5km on day 1 and a 2.5km on day 2 on a gruesome course in the woods that resembled an adventure obstacle course more than a cross-country course.  Our girls were tough, though, and didn't let the course stop them from trying their best.

On day 1, Kaelia got out pretty strong to avoid getting stuck in rougher parts of the course.  By about halfway through the 1st lap of the course, she was leading the entire race and looking good.  Taelyn caught up to her during the second lap, and the two of them pushed each other all the way to the finish.  In the end, it came down to the final sprint where Taelyn edged out Kaelia and won by 1 second!

On day 2, Taelyn had a slight lead over Kaelia for the first lap.  Then a runner from Prague surprised both girls and took the lead during lap 2.  With about 300m to go, Taelyn went after her and outkicked her for her second victory of the weekend. Kaelia ended up just behind and came in 3rd.

Taelyn's final stretch, running for gold!

Overall, our school also did quite well.  We came in first place in the team competition for MS boys, MS girls, HS boys, and HS girls.  But what the students loved most was getting to know runners from the other schools and making new friends.  They had a wonderful time, and it was a fantastic end to a good season.

Next up... both girls are in the MS musical, and Kaelia will start basketball in season 2.