This year was our first experience with the 800 meter. Brenna generally doesn't like long distance running. Our school also offers cross-country in the fall, to which Brenna has adamantly declined saying "All they do is run, for a long ways, for a long time!" However, the school is allowed three participants between grades 3rd - 5th in the 800 meter and three participants between grades 6th - 8th in the 1500 meter. Brenna was surprised to find out that she was selected as one of the participants to run in the 800 meter. However, she was disappointed to hear that it meant she wouldn't be running the 100 meter, since each participant can only compete in three track events. She was slated for the 200 meter, 800 meter, and girls relay, along with three field events; standing long jump, running long jump, and ball throw.
Grade 2 and 3 girls ready for the day!
She knew the 800 meter would be hard and that she would be competing with girls two years older than her. We tried to apply some strategy and encouraged her to try her best to keep pace with her friend Emma, who is a great long distance runner. Brenna started off strong and steady and held pace in 3rd place position for about 500 meters . She slowly began to fade, but still finished in a great position. As one of the youngest runners she came in 10th out of a heat of 21 runners. Emma took 1st place!
800 Meter Race
She only had about a 15 minute downtime before she was up again for the 200 meter. She ran a strong race and came in at 2nd place. She was so happy to get her ribbon! Our schedule was tight and we immediately moved on to the standing long jump. She had three great jumps and took 1st place. She really thought she was on a role. But, she was running low on energy and the day was getting hot by Canadian standards. We quickly moved on to the running long jump. She did good, but didn't have the hard run and distance that she usually gets, so no placement. After four back-to-back events we finally had a break in the schedule before ball throw. We went back to our school's tent to cool off, get some lunch, and tank up on gatorade.
Standing Long Jump
Running Long Jump
After our refresher it was on to ball throw. She had two good throws, but no placements. Some of those girls could really sling it! I think the first place winner could probably out throw me! I hope that kids is playing softball somewhere.
We had lengthy break that gave Brenna some time play and enjoy the day with some of the other kids and then it was on to the final event of the day, the team relays. Brenna ran lead and had a quick hand-off. Overall the team finished 4th.
It's a fun day to watch the kids compete and I enjoy the meet just as much as Brenna. It's a great experience for the kids and I'm so glad that she got the opportunity to take part in it again this year.
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