Today marks the last Cross Country practice for most of the kids participating at Lincoln Heights Elementary, and other schools throughout District 81. A very small portion will qualify for the all-city meet in a few weeks, and neither of our boys are likely to finish in the Top 10 - so this is it: one more practice before one last meet.
Cameron has run with his insulin pump this season, something we haven't done the past two years. Before, we would hang onto it while he ran, but this year he seems to do better without the interruption of removing it. We still have to monitor BGs, but basically he gets a snack & goes.
Hayden has been more invested this year, if only because one of his buddies joined the team. They could both stand to listen more, but when it's time to run, it's good to have a training partner.
I think both boys seem to be having more fun with it this year. They're (mostly) paying attention to their coach, and keeping moving, even when that means walking for a few minutes. They're doing their best, having fun, and being part of the team - which was all that we've insisted.
Running a mile around a grade school playfield as as simple and straightforward as an athletic competition gets. Two laps around the course as fast as you can. But the strides they've taken this past month or so may give them some momentum to hopefully last the rest of their lives. We couldn't be prouder.
