Posted: Nov 18, 2012
Saturday, Nov. 17
PhotogalleryHello everyone,
Well today was the day! If you follow the team regularly, you saw we finished 25th as a team today. It wasn't exactly what we were shooting for, but we still finished better than last year and ended up higher then we were ranked going in (we were ranked 29th). It was a rainy and muddy morning, and the footing was pretty rough on the course, but thankfully we didn't have any falls in the group.
Emily (Nealley) took the lead for the team around the middle of the race, and we are so proud of her for doing so well in her first national meet! Afterwards some of us stayed to watch the boy's race in the pouring rain. The HAAC was represented well with a good race from the Baker men.
A hot shower and dry clothes were next on our lists, so we headed back to the lodge. After some down time, we ventured to downtown Portland where we celebrated our seasons with VooDoo Doughnuts. Their specialty doughnut is a long john with butterscotch icing and bacon on top. Yep, BACON. Like they say on the bumper stickers, "Keep Portland Weird."
Tomorrow, we are heading home, and we are still thankful for this experience and the people who have supported us throughout the season. I am personally thankful for the three seniors who I have taken millions of steps with them by my side the past three years. Today may not have gone the way we wished, but nothing will change what we have already accomplished together and the memories we have made along the way.
See you all soon,
Elise� � �
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Friday, Nov. 16
Runners describe season | Team pre-race celebration PhotogalleryHello from Vancouver,
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Well tomorrow is the BIG DAY! We had our last practice on the course this morning around 9 a.m. (PT). Today was much dryer than yesterday and seemed more compact because of the number of people who have been on it the past two days. It seems like it will be a fast course since it is in such great shape right now, making us even more eager to race tomorrow.
After practice, we went to the headquarters hotel and picked up our racing packets and our t-shirts and hoodies we wanted to buy. The remainder of the day will consist of staying off our feet as much as possible, just relaxing and taking in the amazing atmosphere. Thanks for following us so far on the trip!
I hope everyone had a great end to your week, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!
Elise
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Thursday, Nov. 15
Course | A. Beaverson on course | Team at the beach | Team at Cannon Beach | Nealley's first experience at the beach PhotogalleryHey fans,
Today was a day full of adventures and fun! We started off by heading to the course to get in some speed work. It was absolutely breathtaking to see the dense fog, sun rising behind it, and the dew glistening off the grass. We couldn't get on the course till 8 (rules of the meet), so we took this chance to have a photo shoot shot by the one and only Coach (Mark) Nelson! We were the only team out on the course, so it made the workout even more exciting.
After practice, we got some breakfast and then headed to Cannon Beach for the day. This was some of our first times seeing the Pacific and Emily's (Nealley) first time ever seeing an ocean, so of course, she had to feel the freezing water and sand between her toes. Some of the parents met up with us too, so it made the whole experience more meaningful.
Hope all is well back home! Happy Thanksgiving break!
Elise � �
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Wednesday, Nov. 14
Team boarding minibuss at CMU | Coaches Nelson and Sadefur in airport PhotogalleryHi everybody,
Hello to everyone back home! We have been going all day with the flights, and then practiced first thing when we got here.
We began our trip first thing this morning when we left Fayette at 6 a.m. Big thank you to Coach (George) Pincock for driving us to the airport safely. Emily (Nealley) got to experience her first flight ever today, and she hardly shed a tear! We had a great day to fly with bright sun and few clouds. We even got to see snow covered mountains when we flew into Denver.
On our second flight (from Denver to Portland), we had a friendly crew and they even wished us luck over the speaker. Surprisingly, it was all sunshine and 55 degrees for our four mile shake out. We are eager to get on the course tomorrow for a speed workout!�
More to come tomorrow,
Elise
