Noah begins Cross Country!

Terry and I have been saying for years that we wanted to get Noah involved in Cross Country at Rapid City Christian School. My Facebook Memories reminds me every year that a while back we mentioned the idea to Noah, and misunderstanding us, he blurted out, "You want me to run across the country?!" Ha! So although the idea has been there for a long time, yet I've dragged my feet because of the drive. RCC is 25 minutes from our house and I pretty much loathe the idea of spending that much time in the car, especially with three other kids in tow. 

But I knew this year, something had to give, and it lay with me. I had to give. Noah is 13 years old and in the eighth grade. It's high time for him to grow up more, be exposed to the world a bit, and have more responsibility. So we took the plunge. Back in August while we were staying at the ranch for the Rally, Terry drove Noah to RCC for an interview with the athletic director and I got all the numerous papers in order. 

On August 9, 2018, Noah began his first foray into organized sports. The following week, August 13-17th was pretty difficult. They had two-a-day practices out at the school. That meant a lot of driving for us. But thank for the Lord, I have a couple friends that help us out. Anne, Brad, and their son Andrew, who was on the team as well, live only a half mile from us. Between the four of us, we were able to spread out the load. I was so glad for that week to be over. 

School started the following week and then it got easier with practices just once a day after school at 3:15. I still do a lot of carpooling with Anne and my friend Mary along with her kids Zach and Lindsey. I'm grateful for their help. 

On August 14th, they took some team pictures. 

Picture time done.

Noah's first meet was the Douglas Invite at the golf course out there. Terry drove him out there and the kids and I met up with them a couple hours later.

We walked over to their little team camp.

Look at those crazy long legs! They're longer than mine even though I'm still taller...for now.

We cheered on the Junior Varsity girls who went right before Noah. It was terrible because the back half of the group got lost! No one's time was very accurate for that race.

Ellsworth Air Force base is right next door so we kept seeing these jets go screaming in for their landings. It was awesome.

The team prayed together before they ran!

Mary went over to the boys to instruct them on the course since her daughter, Lindsey, was one who had gotten lost.

More instructions from the coaches.

Noah all lined up and ready to go. 

And they were off! The poor boy was exceptionally nervous, but I didn't really know that until afterward.

Cheering them on as they came around the lake, this time on the correct route.

This group of boys in the back hung together nearly the entire race.

Noah and David.

I took a couple pictures off Facebook that another parent posted, like this one.

Terry instructing the boys where to go, up a monster hill.

Off they go.

They finished at the bottom of the hill and David left Noah behind. 

They had to wait at the finish line for some reason but at least they could drink water.

Talking to Evie afterwards.

Here is that parent taking the middle school boys' picture.

And this is the picture he took!

One family shot before we left the course.

Six days later I snapped a couple pictures during their practice at the school. Noah is a stickler for rules and even though no one else was stretching, he made sure he did. His coaches are to the left, Coach Schafer and Birnbaum.

Getting their instructions for their run that day. 

It was a short one since they had a meet the following day in Faith. Terry and I did not attend and Noah drove there and back again with his team. It was good for him, though he threw up twice on the way there! I think it must have been due to fatigue since he slept bad the previous night and had to get up crazy early.

The following week on September 6th, Noah went to Belle Fouche for another meet, again without us. I dropped him off at the Windmill Truckstop.

Off they go!

That same parent posted pictures from the meet that I again borrowed. Noah sure looks tall doesn't he?!

Off they go.

Go Noah go!

His results that day. 

Noah is learning a lot but is pretty tired these days, and whenever anyone asks how Cross Country is going he says it's exhausting. He's not used to having so little downtime in his life. It's very good for him though. He's had several meets since September 6th, but I'll save those for another post.