Cross Country Reflections

It was house cross country and nerves were floating through the air. Mr D told everyone to take their marks and off we went. The nerves quickly disappear as we reach the final stretch. The top 8 from each age group category progressed to the next round. Those who were fast enough then went on to represent Balaclava district. 

Izzy, Ava, Frankie and Maia then progressed to regionals. Regionals was a flat track and were able to get incredible times including:

Frankie: 10:50.737 

Maia: 11:49:483 

Izzy: 10:53.523 

Ava: 10:42:353

Frankie, Izzy and Ava all progressed to the State Championships. 

Frankie H - 11yo Girls

It was a long way out to States but the car ride to went by in a breeze - I had my friend Isla with me and we distracted each other from the nerves of the big race ahead. We walked the track beforehand to get a feel for it. There was thick mud everywhere and just walking up that enormous hill made me tired and I couldn’t even imagine how it would feel when I would run up it. I started making my game plan and was called to the Call Room. As I put my shoes on, I listened to the marshal explain how today was going to work. Apparently, 5 shoes had already been lost in the mud today only 2 had been found so we had to do our laces up tight! In the call room, there were a few familiar faces that I had raced against already. The time came to walk over to the starting line. With two whistles and then a gunshot we were off. The corners were sharp and the hill seemed to go on forever - some people were running so hard they threw up and had to stop! I ran down the home straight and finished the with a 13th place and a smile. I was proud of myself for getting this far and trying my best. I stayed afterwards to cheer on Ava and Izzy’s amazing run, they both did got awesome times and places. The day ended with happy, exhausted faces and I knew that everyone from Elsternwick PS had done an outstanding job.

Izzy E - 12/13 Girls

The nerves and excitement were undeniably noticeable amongst everyone in the waiting room, but I was ready for it. Just under 100 girls all made it to the starting line, jostling for the front of the line wanting to get there first. I saw a few familiar faces in the crowd and we wished each other well for the race ahead.

My hair blows behind me and my body is shaking due to a mix of nerves and the icy cold wind whirling around us. Before I know it, the gun blasts and everyone is off and racing. My heart beats uncontrollably and my legs move so fast that I am in a numb, robotic state. As I approached the hill, it felt as if I was climbing Mount Everest, every step was excruciating but I just told myself that every step was one step closer to the finish line. It was agonising but I got there in the end. Just when I thought that I had nothing else to give, the last stretch of the track appeared. I am not sure where I found the strength to push through but I managed to drive my body to the end with a sprint, crossing the line in 15th position!

After the race, I was instantly hit with a mix of emotions. It was all very surreal. I was so very proud of Ava and Frankie and how well they had both done, as well as for my other competitors who all did such a great job in just getting through the race.

I would like to give a huge shout-out to Mr D and Britt and all the other many wonderful supporters along the way. Thank you all so much. Without you guys cheering us on, we would not have made it this far in our journey.

Finally, I would also like to wish my amazing friend Ava all the very best on her continued journey to Nationals next month. I am so proud of you and know that you will do really, really well.

Ava L - 12/13 Girls

I entered through the gates of Yarra Glen Racecourse with inconsolable nerves rushing around my stomach. The smell of country air and of competition. I watched Frankie in awe and realised that I was going to have to do that very soon. We headed into the changing room at 11:10 and then ran to the starting line. As we waited on the starting line the man said 5 minutes to go girls 4,3,2 I minute to go. *Pweeht* *Pweeht* The gun goes. We headed around a tight corner and then had to go up an excruciating hill. The final stretch was brutal with girls pressing behind you and 300m left to go you had to go for broke. This day was a rollercoaster from the nerves,  starting line , relief but it all started with house cross country so I would like to give a massive thank you to Mr D and Britt for making this opportunity possible.