Start of the Season

Almost two weeks are already complete to the 2011 XC season for the Blackhawk runners. Last week 45 runners went to Twin Lakes for our annual retreat and had a great time. Activities there included singing, dancing, doing team skits, running, eating, fox and hounds, swimming, team relays, and much more. (Picture to right shows most of the team having some fun after doing team relays) The veterans had a lot of input and helped share many of our motivational stories including CLIMB, the rock story, pull the rope, the second mile, and the robot story. Have your child explain these to you and their meaning.

Here are a couple of the team skits from the retreat. First is Kung Fu Fighting which placed second overall followed by the winner with Lady and the Tramp: This is the Night.

Then on Tuesday the team time trial was held at our home course at Salnave Park. For the first time the distance was 3.0 miles for all runners in a time trial. The girls started first and ran very well with 5 of last years state team running within the top 7. There experienced showed through as well as their determination to improve on last years placing. It will be a battle all season to reach the top 7, but they will push each other all the way and work together to accomplish what they have set out to achieve. 

To finish off the day the boys raced next. With last year's state team loosing 4 seniors everyone knew there are spots open for the taking. And those who put in the work this past summer showed through strongly. This team's goal is to get back to state and Tuesday showed that even though they are not too experienced they are willing to take a risk, step up, and work together to get to Pasco. Full results can be found here: Time Trial.

Here are some reminders for the next week or so:

• Practice is at 8am to 9:30am Saturday 9/3
• No Practice on Monday 9/5 for Labor Day, but get in a 30-40' run on your own
• First meet is 9/10 at Silverwood with the first race at 8:30 (JV Boys) more info to come next week for this meet. Here is the meet website.