Cross Country
I joined the team two weeks after they had started practicing because I didn’t hear the announcements about it.
After my first race, I fell to the ground – I was so exhausted from running (and walking) that long after such a short amount of practice.
I came in close to last place.
But, I didn’t quit.
My dad asked me to quit.
He didn’t understand why I wanted to run, especially if I was so miserable afterwards.
The first few nights after races, I did need to lie down for the rest of the night.
When I’m running though, I don’t think about anything else except my form and my pace.
I am at peace.
I hear my footfalls.
In the distance, I hear people cheering us on.
I see the ground in front of me and my teammates up ahead.
I enjoyed thinking about only the race.
With each race, I improved.
I PRed, which means beat my personal record, almost every time.
Overall, I improved my mile by two minutes, which is good.
At the end of the season, I was awarded “Most Improved Boy.”
I am proud of this accomplishment.
aileenhower's Blog 
So proud of you for persevering! The really great thing about running is that you only compete against yourself. I love running too! Keep it up – improvement comes with your dedication.
Love the voice here and wish more kids would run the race against themselves instead of against the other competitors. Cross country is a wonderful sport that will give back into adult life.
What a great season for Liam! He found what works for him and persevered.
Congratulations on PRing so many times. That’s a huge victory! Congratulations, also, on being most improved. I hope you are really proud of all your hard work!
Love that you wrote with your son’s voice, and it’s a great thing to persist through the hard parts and succeed. He did it! I so admire those long distance kids. Seeing them running in the fall, hot, looking as if they want to lie down, and they keep going, like you son. Congratulations many-fold.
Never give up!!! Something I have learned over the years. So glad your son persevered!
Loved reading your slice, written in your son’s voice. I wonder if he’d write the same or if not, what revision would he make? I’m positive he’d include a proud mom cheering for him!! Thanks for sharing!
Yay! This is awesome. My daughter was a runner in high school. I’m glad Liam had a great season. While cross county is a team sport it is also an individual sport too-always trying to set those PRs! I hope he returns for another season. Happy Running!
I second Linda and Sally’s comments on speaking in your son’s voice.
Such truth coming from a mother’s love! Thank you!!
Aileen, I love this; you show your son’s determination and grit! Congratulations to both of you.
“Most Improved Boy” – that’s what kept him going, right? He knew he couldn’t quit.
He liked PR-ing, but he just loves running. Who knew?
Your determination shines through your writing.
What an interesting take on voice! I went back and read it again after I read the “most improved boy” twist and had a new appreciation for it all over again.
It’s so hard to watch your kids struggle, but so good for them! Love the progression of this slice, a fun read
What a great reflective piece. You truly captured your son’s courage and determination.
How exciting!