Back on the grass Though I didn’t meet my own expectations this season, I always make a season recap post for XC and track, so it didn’t feel right to just pretend this season didn’t happen after all the work that went into it. I started with a two minute 5k PR and a passion I’ve never had before for XC season, and ended it with a 102 degree fever and a body that was shutting down on me. But I also made a ton of memories this year through training with some of my best friends all summer and meeting new teammates in Lexington. I’d be lying to say I wasn’t disappointed with how I raced this year after all of the early summer mornings, but I also know that I could have done a better job with my training plan. This was the first time I’ve ever trained for something without the direction of a coach, and I pushed it too hard, too early and fizzled out at the end. I quickly learned that training for XC on a college schedule really takes a lot out of you, and I pushed myself beyond my limits, causing me to get sick and injured. However, everything happens for a reason and once my body gets the rest it needs, I’m confident that my time to shine will come. See you soon, track. (And to be clear, the last photo is satire)