State 2013

November 8-9 found us driving 5 hours to the east side, to Pasco, for the State XC meet. We sent Sarah off early in the morning, so that the team would have time to run the course on Friday afternoon before their big fancy dinner. We left around 10:30 and actually had a pretty enjoyable drive together. Once we got to Pasco, we stopped at the Country Mercantile to look around and we could have spent a lot more time in there! They have all sorts of locally made jams and chocolate and salsas and local produce. It was a wonderful place!

We headed the hotel after picking out some goodies (blueberry syrup, laffy taffy, and chocolate peanut butter cups) and got there in time to see the whole team all dressed up after their Olive Garden dinner. I stole a picture from FB…man, that girl in the turquoise dress is incredibly beautiful!

We spent the evening hanging out in the hotel together as a family, chatting with parents and coaches, and watching the runners have fun. In the morning we had breakfast at the hotel and headed out to the course, about a 10 minute drive from the hotel.

Sarah had a really good race, taking about a minute off her time from last year. She moved up in place from 69th to 28th and she is already looking forward to next year!

All the girls had good races and it was fun to watch them run and cheer for each other, just like every other meet.

These two showed their Lyncs pride with face paint & wearing their blue & white!

We chose a different vantage point this year at state, which meant that we missed the starting line. From “the island” where we were, you can see the runners frequently…but not generally as close up. It’s also hard to get to the finish in time. So…I don’t think we’ll watch from that area next year. I didn’t like missing the start and the finish!!But, it’s always good to try stuff out and see what you like the best!

Coming into the last stretch and the finish line

After the race…happy and tired friends!

Love this girl!

Congratulations on all your achievements both on and off the course, Marissa! We love the way you’ve encouraged Sarah and the team and we know God has great plans for you. We will miss you next year!!

I had to include this picture because Sarah just looks SO happy. Love.