Running Straight in Cross Country

18 November 2015Hannah R, Mackenzie ‘18; photo by Mrs. Reynolds

Led by Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Rose, and Captain Kevin L, Privett ‘16, the Cross-Country Running team had a fabulous first term. Despite torrential rain, sneaker-slurping mud, and mile-long hills, we pushed through and finished with smiles on our faces…only to be reminded of post-run ab workouts. I’m sure Mr. Rose has our best interests at heart, but is a strong stomach really a necessity of life?

In addition to our many local runs – Nature Trail, Rat Lake (the regular way as well as a shortened version, ‘Baby Rat’), Whiskey Point, ‘Interhouse,’ and Mystery Trail – the group took several bus trips to other routes of interest in the Cowichan Valley and Malahat areas this term. These trails, though often strenuous, provided breathtaking views and even some swimming opportunities. Our ‘away games’ included Thetis Lake, Goldstream Trestle, Mt. Tzouhalem, Kinsol Trestle, and Skutz Falls.

Even precipitous mountains, freezing rivers, and alarmingly lofty trestles could not dampen our spirits, for all members – plus a few extra-keen rowers – attended the Island Age Group Finals at Beaver Lake. Although misjudged travel time cheated our two junior girls, Morgan W, ’18 and Hannah R, ’18, out of warm-up time and caused Jamal H, ’18 to miss the Junior Boys’ race entirely, all members of the team ran their hardest and made the rest of us proud. I daresay some of us still have handprints on our backs from Mr. Rose’s enthusiastic congratulatory ‘pats’!

Before the week was up, some of the more ambitious runners attended the Provincial Qualifier race to try their luck and skill against all the best young athletes in the district. Congratulations to all of them, and the best of luck to Renee L, ’16, who made the top 20 in the Senior Girls’ race and was invited to Provincials!

A huge thank you from all members of the team goes to Mr. Rose and Mrs. Reynolds who pushed us when we were lazy, worried over us when we got hurt, and brightened our days with their jokes. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Hannah R, Mackenzie ‘18

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