More xc season

*ok now it's been even longer since posting due to some computer problems, so i've just continued to add on more updates!

It's been a while since my last race posting, but apparently university exams keep you quite busy sometimes. Now that I've gotten through my first batch of midterms, I have about three weeks until round 2. But I figured I can spare a bit of time to catch up on my blogging. My second race with the Bisons was in Saskatoon. It was not as huge and intimidating as Griak, but still some strong competition. It was also a bit shorter; we ran 4.5 km with less hills. We were pretty lucky to hit some milder weather that allowed racing in shorts, once we drove away from Winnipeg's snow that weekend. Although the team raced better overall, I think my race was about the same. This time I placed 50th overall out of 72, which meant I placed 5th from the team. Taylor and I battled it out the whole time, but she was able to make that final pass on me. At least 3 of us from the team finished in a row after pushing each other and getting ahead of some other competitors, so the points for our team weren't affected. Congrats to all the U of M Bisons! Even though not everyone has the race they would like every time, I once again am glad to be part of an awesome group of athletes. Everyone goes through highs and lows, individually and as a team.

Overall I had a lot of fun of this trip. Although I got a bit of disapproval, another highlight of mine was catching up with some triathlon friends. Apparently university cross-country isn't as friendly among competing teams as I am used to. It probably seemed a bit strange to see a Bison athlete standing around talking to athletes from universities of Regina, Saskatchewan, Calgary, and Alberta. It kind of felt like all of our teams were looking at us at some point! Oh well, it was still great to see those friends, and I don't think anyone was really against it.

Team travel is also always a good time, between meals, hotels, and hours on the bus. At least I got a lot more studying done on this trip. It's awesome to have people from all of my courses also studying on the bus, as well as people that have been through it before that can help! And of course there were more gas station stops, movies, and story time. What a crazy team. I love it.

I declined going to the Grand Forks meet last weekend. I had too many other commitments going on, including a stats exam that was a bit of a hassle to reschedule, and other exams to study for. I try to do everything, but I guess sometimes it's better to say no to things. Good job to the team that did go though.

I finished up coaching the Jr high season on a high note, before spending a bit more time on a bus to go with the JV and Varsity teams to Spruce Woods for Provincials. It was strange to go as a coach instead of an athlete! The rain really didn't let up and it was quite a miserable day. Between warming up both girls teams, and dealing with huge amounts of soggy clothes, I really felt the pressure to be the coach to mentally get them through it. Just as the girls were pumped up from our pep talk and ready to go, the start was delayed a lot. I was also freezing and just wanted it to be over but I knew for the girls to remain positive I would have to keep them on track. Everyone from Westgate ended up having great attitudes and all of our teams left with a medal! I'm super proud of everyone and it was great to work with them this season!

This past weekend was the Provincial Championships at Kilcona that most of the Bisons raced. It was another cold and windy day out there on the hills. Personally, my race was about as good as I expected. I couldn't quite hang on to the faster girls but I worked hard to keep them in my sights, and there wasn't anyone too close behind me. I don't think it changed anything in terms of my placing on the team. Afterwards we watched the guys race, they had to run twice as far as the girls. I know it was a mixed day for various people on the team; some were still struggling with injuries or were disappointed with what they were able to put out that day, others were happy to finally have the race they have been working towards this season. But good job to everyone that put a solid effort out this weekend!