Cross country race number two.

Here was my second attempt at a cross country race.

My race didn’t start until about 5:30 or so. We were dead last, because I am in Girl’s Open, and the race order went Boy’s Junior Varsity, Girl’s JV, Boy’s Varsity, Girl’s Varsity, Boy’s Open, Girl’s Open. They were each about thirty minutes apart, which my Mom complained about for at least fifteen minutes, even though she didn’t go. So I don’t know why she cares. Actually, I kind of like it when it’s all spread out, because you get to sit there and relax for a while, or even take a nap, like one girl did. I listened to my iPod and talked.

Mr. Southerns was going to race with me again, which I really appreciate. I did not warm up with him, however. Before every practice, and every race you have to go on at least a twenty minute run and then do dynamic stretches so you don’t pull a muscle or anything like that. Before my warm up I tested and I was 150 mg/dl. So I didn’t correct or anything, I just went on the warm up jog. When I finished, I was 60 mg/dl. So I had a juice, and then I went and stretched. After stretching, I was 120 mg/dl, and this was about ten minutes or so before my race. So I had a Gatorade and and granola bar.

And we started. And I went. (Sound familiar?) And Mr. Southerns went with me. He was carrying my glucometer, and some juice and some more chewy thingies. After mile 1, I tested, and I think that I was around 170 mg/dl, but I can’t quite remember.

Meanwhile, I’m feeling really good. I’m passing people, and I have my rhythm, and I just felt like I was on it. It was the greatest feeling.

I was about at mile 2 when I tested again. This time I can remember what my number was, because I was 300 mg/dl. I guess the Gatorade threw me over the edge, eh? So I bolused, but I didn’t give myself the full amount. Only about a unit.

But about thirty yards ahead, all of the varsity girls were congregated. I started running again, and they were all cheering me on, even though I was the only person in that little bit. It was so awesome. I love a sport where the only person you have to beat is yourself, and everyone knows how hard it is, and everyone is SO supportive. They were so loud and so enthusiastic that I couldn’t help but smile. That was my second-to-best moment in my whole cross country career, which hasn’t been a long one.

Right after the girls was a hill, and I got faster GOING UP the hill, and I PASSED about five girls! That was an excellent moment of success. It was the bomb. I had about .5 or so miles left.

I got to the finish line. Now I will tell you my best moment in my whole cross country career. I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE AND MY TIME WAS 29:24 approximately, AND I HAD CUT OFF ABOUT 4 MINUTES FROM MY FIRST RACE!!!! OMG I WAS SO HAPPY. AND I STILL AM. Can you tell?

Mr. Southerns was so happy for me too, he hugged me as soon as I finished, and I was happy with that moment for the rest of forever. And my couch was so proud and supportive, and everyone on the team was telling me good job, and it was the best, because by then everyone knew that I had diabetes, so they knew that it was a huge accomplishment for me.

By the end of the race I was 150 mg/dl and steady. And that was my second race.

By the way, a HUGE shout out to Claudia J. for contacting me. She has just been diagnosed, so I’m sure we can all sympathize. Keep going, Claudia, and don’t give up. It’s a struggle at first, but you’ll get better at it. I’m cheering for you!

Sincerely,

Claire Montgomery
Cross Country Runner, Type 1 Diabetic, Awesome Person in General

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