And Let the Race Begin

As much as Christian loves soccer he absolutely LOVES running. 

 

This season was full of hope for him and his relay team they had been looking forward to this for 4 years.  they had states in their sights and they were determined to win. Over the last 3 years they have had their bumps in the road along the way but nothing could have prepared Christian for the phone call he received the day he returned home from California.  One of his teammates Justin broke his back on Spring Break and would not be able to run for at least this season if ever again.  It was heartbreaking to watch Christian talking to his friend on the phone and him trying to console him. I can imagine the same way Justin did with Christian when he broke his ankle.  I remember Christian telling me about his brutal physical therapy and how Justin would be there holding him up as he was taking his first steps again so he would be ready to run track.  This was something that was going to need more time and that was one thing they didn't have.

 

They found a replacement but he was a short distance sprinter and when you run the 800 it is a sprint the whole way and not something a short distance sprinter usually has the endurance for. They did really well in matter of fact well enough to qualify for states at the regional track meet.  Later on in that same meet came Christian's individual race the 800 and as he was taking the last turn on pace to make a new persoanl best time and just as he was ready to turn it up a notch he got a crippling charlie horse in his hamstring and fell to the ground screaming(my heart broke for him).  His last individual High School race was done..but there was a some gleaming hope for him becasue they did qualify for states earlier....so off to States we went....and this didn't turn out well either but they really did have a fabulous season and these won't be his last races becasue he is running in college!!!