So, today was pretty awesome.   A new place for CSXC and the course was a true XC course with a nice blend of hills, turns, and trees.  Many goals were met today.  Many teammates learned the ease of working together.  As I type this, the team is enjoying a bonfire together, continuing the fun they had today.  Top performances of the day, Brittany was 30th in the girls race (we had to celebrate her on the bus, since we didn't quite make it to awards).   Glendon was 28th and Matt (aka "Dallas" ) was 26th.  Congrats Matt, Glendon, and Brittany.   If you do the distance conversion, Courtney improved 4:05 since the first meet, Richard was 3:35 faster than the first meet,  and Christian 1:12 better.    We're coming together, as we're learning about each other, perfecting our team cheers, and changing up the Varsity squad as often as possible.    Many of you are discovering if you push through that pain, you find something quite amazing once you cross that finish line.

This week involves a meet at super flat Boonsboro, and the opposite of that Hereford.    Friday night is the Ragnar Relays, don't forget to solicit baked goods from your family members that we can sell for a team fundraiser.   We'll order team clothing this week, now that the Seniors spent 45 minutes deciding on the details.

Although the mountain in Woodsboro Park does come close.    It's a tough course that challenges even the best of athletes.   The mud added a complex addition  to the challenge.   WHAT a day.   Fun fact of the day -- Coach Jaime collected jewelry at the starting line...the team with the most jewelry to remove.....think of your answer now.....the answer is - the boys varsity squad.   Do with that information what you will.     We broke the bus on the way home, thanks to our super smart driver, who was able to fix something that the remaining 25 were unable to. 

I am so excited about the meet on Saturday.  The Bulldog Invite is a new meet to our schedule, and we'll all get to experience the course for the first time, together!

The number one boy at the Interstate Classic was a surprise to some of us.   Cameron -  you rocked it!   And I can't wait to see what happens this week.   Your over five minute improvement from last season is only the tip of the iceberg...let's see what you chip off next!!

First - I wanted to thank my team, the XC parents, and Coach Milburn for all my birthday surprises.  The shirt makes me smile, the card is hilarious, and a yummy Lexie original cake?   Oh my goodness, was I overwhelmed.  Thank you isn't enough.

If you are a volunteer who is reading this -- on behalf of our team, thank you for being there.  Thank you for giving of your time and talents.   It warms our hearts to see you come out and help.

Morgan took the "year of the bee" a little too far when she bonded with a bee too much.   Morgo, I hope you are feeling better!

The races - WOW what a start for the girls.  Many crazy improvements across the board.   A super start for Holly and Brittany who had amazing first XC races.  

A surprise number one guy on the boys side.  And a nearly 2:00 improvement over last year for Connor and over 2:00 for Chase.
A solid start, with work to do.   We have a little break now, as we race again on Sept 14.  The Mountain Run -- which will be a test of your all your will.    Don't look for the reasons you can't, find the reasons you will.

In about 12 hours, the CS campus will be covered with over 1000 runners, coaches, and their supporters.   As we kick off the XC season in Maryland, I'm really excited to have all of WashCo there as we will all return in October for the county championships.   The first meet is always like a reunion and a renewal rolled into one.  Some of the local coaches are some of my favorite people in the world and I love chatting with them, cheering with them, and learning from them.   I love the guts and dedication that is witnessed as these young people pour their energy and emotion into the three miles.  I love watching parents chase their child around the course, unlike any other sport, you have to be in shape just to cheer!   On the Eve of XC Season, I'm filled with joy and hope waiting for the morning to get here.  See you guys on the course.   It's a hill, get over it!