Cross Country

As I prepared for a 3 km run, I stretched my muscles to help improve my flexibility. Cross country had arrived and I was feeling better than ever. Normal kids usually have butterflies invading their stomachs before taking part in a lengthy race, but I wasn’t one of them. I wasn’t nervous at all. The only explanation for this I thought, was that people didn’t have high expectations about me coming first, second, or third. All they expected from me was to put in the effort.

In my opinion, our course (Year 7s) was extremely long. We needed to run around the school field twice as well as the whole of the Pt England reserve twice. If you check it out on Google maps you will see that it’s huge!

I was ready to run so I began wishing my neighbours good luck. Mr Burt (Principal of Pt England School) shouted “On your marks... Get set....”. He picked up the wooden clapper. “Bang!” Off the year 7 boys and I went, jogging like soldiers at war. Believe it or not, I was exhausted already. At first I assumed I was going to come last because most of the boys were sprinting, but I realized that I had a strategy. In long distance I would always jog first, and consume as much energy as I could for my ‘BIG’ sprint at the end. Because of this strategy I was able to pass most of the boys due to their low energy that had used up in the beginning of the race.  

“GO JORDAN!” Miss Lavakula cheered. Hearing positive feedback from others created a big smile that swallowed up my face. It also gave me the strength to endure to the end. I was trying to concentrate on the race but I couldn't as I was distracted by the fact that I was ahead of everyone.

As I was near the finish line I began sprinting to try and pass some people in front. As I was doing this I noticed that I was passing most people who were ahead of me. I heard students, parents and teachers cheering and clapping for us. This really helped motivate and push me to keep going. It also brought so much joy and delight to me, as I observed the amount of encouragement there was on that marvellous day.

Leaping over the finish line, I heard a teacher say “Jordan you came third.” I was breathing heavily and felt like I was about to have a heart attack. With a look of confusion on my face I asked “What? Did I come third? Me? Are you sure?” “Yes, now move along” the teacher replied annoyed by my questions.

The feeling of happiness filled me up with energy and I didn’t feel tired at all. I honestly, felt like dancing hardcore, but I didn’t want to embarrass myself, so I just did what everyone else was doing and walked over to the water station. I believe I tryed my best run, I didn’t expected to come third I really thought that I was going to come 10th. I was obviously wrong. In the end of the day I was proud of myself. I’d like to think all the teachers that helped make this event happen.

Especially Mrs V, I don’t think she realizes that any sports events would never be the fun without her. The lorde also helped by clearing the clouds and bringing a sun.