Oh, running, you're breaking my heart!
Today I found out that I missed qualifying for my first USA team by 2 SECONDS. Two measly seconds. In those two brief moments, I went from punching my ticket to Scotland and racing in the coveted red, white, and blue jersey to staying home. Ahhhh, what a heartbreak!
In the final meters of this month's US Club Cross Country Championships, the talented Maggie Infeld and I battled it out for the final spot on the Scotland team. She and 8 other women will head to Europe next month to race in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country International Challenge - and I'm sure they will do a stellar job! I just wish I was there to compete as well...
Still, I'm trying not to be too disappointed - no point in dwelling on something that's done and over, and at this point, out of my control. I've come such a long way since this race a year ago, so I'm trying to focus on that.
The photos from the final meters tell the story...
I know I ran my heart out in Seattle... it's a little broken now, but nothing that some winter miles can't heal.
2 seconds --> just more fuel for the fire
aw, I'm sorry for your disappointment, but look how far you have come in the past year! you made major strides from last years meet... you have a so much more still to luck forward to! keep your spirits high, and keep working hard! you have many fans rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteAHHH!!! That is so killer! 2 SECONDS! But you're right, it will just fuel you to do even better. At least you look beast in those photos! Dang. (And cool that you were so close, really... That is seriously impressive... next time for sure!)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kristy, your comment means a lot :) I guess another silver lining of not qualifying is that I don't have to reschedule the Cleveland trip I have planned for the same weekend...!
ReplyDeleteJess, ahhh it is killer! Such a bummer... so close but still so far. There will be other chances though. Hope you're having a blast in Guam!!
Kaitlin: I have watched your career for many years now and you are a true inspiration to many runners. Remember, the true champion focuses on what they have gained and will still achieve. You have Gained a lot and; will still achieve a lot. Keep up the effort!
ReplyDeleteGeorge
Former Buffalo Chips Youth Coach
Kaitlin, I just found your blog through my dad (David Wilson, a cousin of your mom if I remember right). I can't believe you were so close. Being so close and still missing your goal is hard, but at least you know it most definitely is possible. And as you said, it is just more fuel to the fire now. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Kaitlin, I clicked over here through rerunrunning, but I've been over here a few times. You are such an inspiration for me and I know exactly how it feels to come so close to something you want so bad! I love how your attitude though and you are still such an amazing runner!!
ReplyDeleteGeorge - thanks so much for your kind words! I fondly remember running with the Buffalo Babes back in high school in New Mexico at JO's :-) I'm looking ahead to track season!
ReplyDeleteHeather - thanks for reading! I've kept up to date with your family via the annual Christmas cards, but I'm looking forward to reading your running blog now! Guess it's all in the family :) Happy holidays and happy running!
Tara - thanks for visiting, and for your sweet comments :) I'm looking forward to following your budding running career via your blog! Enjoy every minute of your high school running career - it'll be over before you know it! But you've got lots of great things ahead of you with college running :) Best of luck and keep in touch!