That's Why We Run the Race

That's Why We Run the Race

This is a post off of my facebook account that has nothing to do with my sickness. 

Just wanted it saved for later.

If everything was set in stone and the best kids or players always won, so we already knew who was going to win every race, then why do we compete? Because there's always that chance that someone will get sick, or hurt, or make a wrong move, or have a bad day and it will be someone else's turn to be on top. This post might end up a little longer then what I planned on but I want these boys on this team to know how proud I am of them tonight. Life sometimes teaches us lessons that we wish we didn't have to learn but they always help us grow.

Tonight, my sons 4x400 relay team had their first prelim heat at the 1A State track competition. (I am not a runner, so please excuse my running lingo if it's incorrect.) There were 2 heats or prelims for this 1A level of competition. From these 16 teams the field would be narrowed down to 8 finalists who will compete tomorrow. My sons team came into todays races ranked 10th. They knew they would have to run the race of their lives and PR to make it to the finals. They were in the first heat, the tougher of the two heats in my opinion, and had the fifth fastest time in that heat. They needed to place in the top 3 to secure their place in the finals. They would need to PR by 4-5 seconds in order to do this, which is a lot.

My son was the first leg of the race and as the race commenced we realized, oh my goodness, they're going to do it! They ran the race of their lives PRing by 4.91 seconds and securing third place 3:28:?. Everyone was thrilled! Not very long after this we found out our team had been disqualified and my son was the teammate given the DQ.

A judge ruled him as running on an inside line for 5 steps during a curve of the race none of us can even see, because they have bleachers set up in the way. As a parent, your heart sinks. Oh no, it was my kid. Then you immediately think of the poor Senior on the team and how he's going to react. Then you just want to find your kid and make sure they're ok, knowing that's not the case. So many emotions in such a short period of time.

By the time we found our son he was obviously emotional, but instead of fingers pointing and blame, we found hugs being given, tears shed and a team huddled together like the picture below before the race. It's easy to get mad at the judges and argue calls made. It happens in every sport, every game. But today, I saw boys turn into men. I know tonight will be hard but I love this golden haired team from Connell!! It was our turn to fall tonight, but our boys are men. Eagle Pride

Huddled for prayer before their race.

Warming up on the infield at Eastern.

Escorted to their starting line.

Setting his blocks for first leg of the 4x400.

Waiting for mark.

 Waiting to set. 

Trying to force a smile having recieved disqualification news; 
obviously upset and so sad for his team.

Tradition: All boys bleached their hair.