The November sixth bus trip from Huntington was lengthy and quiet. The whole cross-country workforce has thought of whether or not we nonetheless have an opportunity to qualify for the NAIA nationwide cross-country assembly. The convention race we ran earlier that day did not go in addition to deliberate, however we labored onerous to take care of a robust nationwide place all through the season so there was nonetheless an opportunity.
Over the subsequent few days, we heard a sequence of conflicting messages about whether or not or not we might make it. The qualification for the nationwide cross-country assembly is decided by the highest ranked workforce at every convention after which a number of normal purposes are submitted. We had no alternative however to attend and see what the nationwide committee determined.
On Tuesday the eighth our coach Rustin Nyce mentioned that we might be there. A typical response can be immediate pleasure, however I used to be cautious once I heard the other information from one other contact.
I went to Rustin and seemed him within the eye to substantiate: “This isn’t a joke? We have now been confirmed, we will certainly go to the nationwide groups and I can begin packing my bag for Vancouver? “
At that time the joy set in.
On the morning of November fifteenth, we gathered on the RFC to start our journey. Pals, professors, trainers and group members got here to assist us depart for the airport.
We landed in Portland and took a brief journey throughout the river to Vancouver, WA. After we checked in on the lodge, the boys got down to loosen up our legs after a day of journey.
The Pacific Northwest was phenomenal for operating. The air was cool, however in comparison with Goshen it felt heat and the landscapes have been lovely.
The following morning we did our final follow earlier than the race on Friday. It was a progressive run alongside the banks of the Columbia River.
We discovered gas within the improbable eating places in Portland and Vancouver earlier than the race. For motivation earlier than the race, we drove to Euguene, OR, the house of Pre’s Rock, a memorial to American operating icon Steve Prefontaine. For a lot of runners, visiting Pre’s Rock is a sort of pilgrimage.
On the best way house from Pre’s
Rock we noticed the Michael Johnson Observe at Nike headquarters in Beaverton. The route is ready into the forest and timber additionally develop throughout the route. The quick 400 meters I jogged round it have been a number of the most surreal steps I’ve ever taken.
Lastly Friday morning got here and it was time to do what we got here to do.
The route was a two-kilometer loop that we might run 4 occasions. It was constructed into the facet of a hill and the rain the night time earlier than made for sloppy circumstances.
We stepped as much as a muddy line with 330 folks lining up subsequent to us, and the gun went off. The primary quarter mile was a dash on the straight to get a great placement. The frequent corners make it tough to overhaul others later within the race.
Salvador Escamilla (left) and Dan Kipchumba (proper) drove their final XC races for the Leafs.
In reality, the pack was squeezed collectively on the primary flip. The trail narrowed from 50 meters vast originally to about 10 meters within the first nook and other people came across one another to get by.
After I noticed folks on the bottom, I made positive they weren’t my teammates as I steered round them (I realized my lesson final yr once I occurred to be a part of the pile-up). Because the race developed, I used to be glad to seek out most of my teammates in a comparatively tight pack.
When the final lap got here my legs burned. The course was now even muddy, with hundreds of spikes pounding the best way. Our toes slipped a bit of with each step and the curves have been significantly difficult. Then we might storm up a hill and switch once more.
It was a change from the flat, strong roads and trails of northern Indiana.
The end line got here into view on the high of the final hill. The collective power of the group has shifted; It was time to get one final kick for the season.
I do not keep in mind a lot from that a part of the race. Once you step to the best, your mind will start to close down and your legs will take management till you cross the road. Then you definately really feel a wave of reduction and ache as you attempt to catch your breath on the opposite facet of the ligament.
I studied this wave whereas trying to find the remainder of the Maple Leafs to see how their runs have been going. Nelson Kemboi ended up as an All-American and the remainder of us stuffed with a excessive sufficient placement to complete twenty fourth general.
Nelson Kemboi on his approach to his second XC All-American end.
We completed our season larger than we have been seeded with an expertise we cannot quickly overlook.
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