Cross country x 4 kids

We had a busy cross country season this year. The four oldest boys all ran on their school teams.

We tried to make it to as many of the meets as we could. Dave would run all around the course to cheer them on at key points, like hills, the way his high school coach did for him. I mostly stayed put with the little kids near the start and finish lines. 

I can't believe how much younger Spencer looks in these pictures. He's changed a ton these past few months - he's taller, and his face is longer/thinner. Plus his hair is shorter now.

Spencer ran all summer to get ready for the season, but then he had a knee injury which ended his season after just two races. That was a bummer. I don't think he plans on running cross country next year.

He was also super busy with marching band this fall. This particular race was in Morro Bay, and he had to leave band practice to go to it and then leave right after his race to go back to practice. That was a busy day. 

I thought this was funny! 

We have a new superintendent this year, and we've been thrilled with the new changes. For instance, they've brought music back into elementary school! Plus they've added a bunch of new sports, including cross country, into the elementary and middle schools. We had a huge middle school cross country team.

Their first race was in Pismo Beach, and it was a beautiful, hilly course. Can you imagine having this ocean view from your school?!

The little kids loved exploring a big area of rocks and caves right next to the track. I think it's where Brennan picked up a bit of poison oak. Oops.

 I love this picture of Chloe!

The only problem with having both 6th grade and 8th grade runners was that we had to stay the whole time. It got a bit long for some people. I like how you can see Dallin cheering on Tyler in this picture.

They both improved a ton over the season! In fact now Tyler is getting A's on his timed runs in P.E., and Dallin got first place in his P.E. class. 

There were some great kids on their team, and they just loved hanging out with them. The bus was a party, and they always stopped at In-N-Out on the way home.

Their next race was a lot smaller. All the grades ran together, boys and girls. It was at an elementary/middle school in San Miguel.  

I need a better sports lens. 

 Dallin got third place for 6th grade boys!

Their last race was at Cuesta college, and it was huge. 

They really liked their coach, Mr. Grace. He lost his voice after the first race, so he got a megaphone. He cheered all the runners on, not just our team. And his comments were hilarious! He really got into it.

Coming down the home stretch! Tyler said he actually prefers running where there aren't any cheering fans because it's more relaxing.

 They had such a great time! They were sad to see the season come to an end.

And finally, Brennan had his first cross country season, and he loved it! His school almost wasn't able to have a team because they didn't have a coach, so Brennan asked one of his P.E. teachers to do it. Coach K. was great! They had a pretty small team, but they had fun together.

Brennan loves to run, and he's fast. They had 3rd, 4th and 5th graders all run together, and even though Brennan was the youngest, he did really well.

Their races were shorter - either .6 or 1 mile (they got to choose). They would race one other school at a time, and the teams took turns getting out of school a little early to take a bus to the other school. That was probably their favorite part.

His friend Matthew (also a 3rd grader) would often come in 1st or 2nd place. Eric and Brennan had a lot of fun being in cross country together. Now they're both doing wrestling.

The races were right after school on Fridays.  Dave and the big kids weren't able to go, but I took lots of pictures and videos. The little kids had fun playing on the playground.

The district final was at the high school. Brennan gave his all! It was a great experience for him, and he's excited to do it again next year.