Hailey Paves Her Own Path in XC

As a sixth grader, Hailey had the opportunity to participate in cross country. It's actually the only sport you can do as a 6th grader. So I told her many months ago she would be joining the cross country team and showing her school spirit once sixth grade came. 

Tough Terrain

She wasn't thrilled but she didn't say no. She's lucky to have a classmate's mom who is a Michigan cross country alumni and still current marathon runner help guide practices and give the kids advice alongside the coaches. In fact, before school started, this amazing mom was holding practices for whomever wanted to come. Hailey hit a few of those but when school started and the coaches got to see her, they often asked her what her name was and she told them her first name. They asked for her last name and then most said, "Oh, your Austen's sister." Austen did get 5th place in the conference meet and help his team secure a first place conference title during his 8th grade year so a banner he and his teammates earned hangs in their gymnasium. Now all this would really anger Peyton because these coaches are also teachers and Peyton actually had these teachers. And, not one said, "Oh, you're Peyton's sister." Of course, they actually coached Austen in cross country and boys volleyball. Peyton only did cheer in middle school and that was only for her 7th grade year. 

Anyway, back to Hailey. She's been doing really great in all of her meets. One was particularly tough for her because of the challenging terrain/course so she did slow down and walk a bit which killed her time and placement. Austen empathized with her from afar and said he hated that course too but that she should never walk. She listened to him and since that meet, she certainly wanted to walk but she didn't and had been placing really well and pushing herself. Super proud of her for trying something new and even going running on her own sometimes too. 

Two more meets left including the conference meet which she was asked to run in - they only ask the top 10 girls and boys to run so this was pretty great to be asked by her coaches. She'll be there with her new white running shoes! 

Good Pace

XC Friends