Madison - Track

Madison committed to track again this year and enjoyed it.  She stuck with the distance trend – running the mile most of the season.  She started with a time of 7:03 minutes and ended with a time of 6:34min!  A great improvement over the course of the season, but even improved from last year’s PR of 6:48.  It is also the time she puts in running with a great group of girls that makes it worth it.  She builds friendships, confidence, and speed in the daily grind. 

She tried out the 400m dash twice this year.  The 400m is a grueling sprint all the way around the track.  Both times she ran a 1:12 min 400m.  She said after running the first time that she now knew what it was like to feel like she couldn’t give any more.  I think this helped with her mile time because she knew how to push and what it really felt like. 

She also ran the 4x800m relay once or twice, which is the event she helped fill gaps for last year. 

   

In the awards banquet, the track coach, Mrs. Greer, noted that for county and district meets it was good to have Madison (and Maggie) as her right hand recording times and keeping details.  She also said that she enjoyed Madison on the team because she was always willing to fill a spot where needed and try new things.  Such encouragement!

Ellie, Madison, and I headed to the state track meet to cheer on her fellow 4x800m runners (Ellie, Leah, Ellis, and Izzy), as well as the boys in the relays that made it from Dalton.  The meet is at Jesse Owens Stadium on the Ohio State campus.  It is a pretty cool (but sweltering hot) venue.  We slathered on the sunscreen and settled in for some good track. 

Before the girls 4x800m relay, they spontaneously formed a prayer circle which was pretty cool to see. 

The girls 4x800m team did not make the podium (top 8), but to make it to state is quite the accomplishment! 

The boys’ 4x200m relay placed 6th and the boys’ 4x100 placed 8th! I am learning to love track – and it shows since I drove to Columbus for the state meet!  I am glad my kids went out for a sport that was unfamiliar to me.

We decided to stay overnight and enjoy Columbus the next day as well.  Graeter’s ice cream on Friday night, shopping and Jenni’s ice cream on Saturday.  I think Jenni’s won the battle due to their unique flavors, but both are worth enjoying!