Dallin's cross country team barely made it to the state competition this year. It was an exciting time for the Varsity North Gwinnett guys who had earned the right to go. After logging a crazy amount of practice miles from June to November, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep these boys were ready. They spent the night in Carrollton, GA and we met them on Saturday morning after an hour and a half drive. The race was scheduled for 8:30. This was a very exciting race because we were going to see the cream of the crop! The best guys in the state were running. Dallin made the goal to break his PR (personal record) of 17:34. We were hoping it would happen because he was not pleased with the last couple of races he ran. 
Dallin warms up with his team at the starting line. They practice running out the shute, jumping, leaping...anything to keep their muscles loose and ready to perfom.
This was a high traffic area during the race. Can you find our little blonde-haired boy? He's always easy to pick out of the crowd!
The course had some killer hills, but overall was a great course. It was a beautiful, DRY day. It has been a very rainy season. Most of the races have had pouring rain and the course conditions were very wet, muddy and difficult. It's really been a challenging season.
Dallin relaxes with his team after the race.
The traditional sugar cookie snack that Dallin eats right after his race.
Dallin discusses his performance with Coach Bawcom. He broke his PR with a time of 17:25!!! What a great way to end the season. He came in 93rd out of 300 runners. Not bad for a little white guy!
We are so proud of Dallin. He has worked incredibly hard this season and really set some high goals for himself. I am amazed at the work ethic of these runners. It is an amazing sport that really brings out some high caliber kids. They are disciplined and very focused on being the best they can be. It's always about what you can be doing better to help the team. It's an individual sport as well as a team sport. We love this sport and can't wait to see Dallin excel his senior year in the fall!PS Track and Field starts the end of February. Dallin will be racing in the long distance races. We'll keep you posted when the season starts.
That is soooo fast Dallin! Really, such a good job, I think I ran my 5k in tucson in 30?? something like that, there was nothing official, no ankle timer or whatever... I can't believe how high you jumped in your warm up picture. Sheila, I think it was out of 395 runners, that's what dallin put on facebook. He can only get better too, the older he gets, the stronger his muscles will become. Bren says if he keeps it up he will be awesome in college... keep up the running so you're in shape for February,,, then it won't feel like your heart is blowing up,, (that's what mine feels like) Great job!
ReplyDeleteDallin did great. Brendon's best time was 17:57. He would have killed for Dallin's time!
ReplyDeletewow,Dallin we are proud of you and your running. All your practicing and goal setting and following athe rules have heped you along the way. We love you!!
ReplyDeleteIt's very much an individual sport--good for you Dallin!
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