The morning of October 8th
The crisp air was chilly
As everyone
Climbed onto the yellow bus
Covered in snug clothes
To keep warm

As the bus drove up the street
Turning into the parking lot
The sun came out
We waited awhile and walked around
Drinking hot, steaming drinks
And laughing
Then the time came
About 1 o’clock
Our whole team lined up
Listening as a man yelled
“Runners set”

And without warning
“Bam”
The gun shot as
A hundred runners raced across the tall grass and
Through the woods
Leading up to an endless steep hill
I ran as parents and coaches
Encouraged us to keep going
My feet and legs were in pain, but I knew I could not stop now
Giving up was not an option
I tried to catch my breath and
I ran and ran now
Crossing onto the dull track
I glanced up to see mist and fog lowering in the sky
My grey and blue sneakers hit the ground hard, but carefully
I turned to my left and started to sprint the last 100 meters
I finally reached the finish line
Receiving a fourteenth place ribbon