Significant Running Episodes - Part 2

Cross Country Glory

If you have read about my tormented relationship with running already, then you will understand that the day of the cross country carnival was not the highlight of my year. I mean, I liked being outside all day with my friends and all that. But cross country participation was COMPULSORY. It was not just a picnic day in the park, we had to RUN. FOR EVER.

The lead up to the cross country would start with our teachers taking us for 'practise runs' around the course. Perhaps they were making sure we didn't get lost. Perhaps they were trying to make sure we weren't completely unprepared and unfit. Probably both. At this stage, I had not yet learnt that running was not to be my thing so I was reasonably enthusiastic. I was certainly keen to appear as if I was in control, like all the super athlete kids. I tried to act cool, like: "Yeah, just gonna do a little cross country. All you suckers are gonna eat my dust, but you know, I'm a gracious winner. Do not be afraid." I think this is where my Little Athletics family expectations may have set me up a little bit. My sisters used to win this stuff for real. When I first attempted it, despite my dismal Little Athletics experience and lack of understanding as to the point of just......RUNNING, I was sure that I, too, would win. How hard could it be?


This is what happened.

Do you see where this is going? Of course you do. You're clever. Unlike I was. It's a hot day. It's the start of the race. There's a steep hill.

 
And that is how I ended up coming 112th. Even though at the start of the race I was coming first. I spent the rest of the race dawdling with some intermittent running. I dawdled through the shady bits (to escape the hot sun) and would then make a dash for the next shady bit, where I would dawdle again.

They even gave us each a small certificate with our place on it. Mine said:

"Congratulations! You came_______112th______!"

I can still picture it. I can still remember the moment I handed it to my mum who just sighed.

And thankfully, at my high school, cross country was optional. Oh yeah.

Next installment: Erin lied to me about 'Fun Running'.