Sarah Day - The Best is yet to Come

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate every single runner out there who competed at all this season.

Although it is not evident until actually experienced, Cross Country stands apart from all other sports and to be a runner is truly a remarkable thing. It takes a special kind of person to endure the constant sacrifice and pain that is involved with running; and to still receive a sense of satisfaction from every second of it takes a whole kind of breed. There’s just something about completing a 10 mile long run before half the world has even gotten out of bed, watching the sun rise while having those crazy conversations with friends, hitting all your splits doing mile repeats.

There’s something that always keeps us coming back for more despite the obstacles and adversity, and that is what separates us from everyone else. Although we all enjoy winning, and it is definitely a great accomplishment; when it comes down to it what really matters is that you tried your best. Being a successful runner doesn’t solely rely on whether you won a state title this year or you got dead last.

Every one of you out there put in the work and left your hearts out on each course ran, and that is truly the biggest accomplishment one can ever attain. I apologize to those whose season’s didn’t go exactly as planned or ended sooner than hoped for, but just know that you did all you could and even though it may make no sense at the moment; everything happens for a reason and God has greater things planned for you. I experienced an unfortunate injury of my own this season that put my running career to a stand still for a period of time.

Being at the peak of my season, ready to let all the hard work pay off and run big PR’s in the championship races, it was just about the worst time possible to come across an injury. However, anything’s possible and the Friday before Regionals I was diagnosed with a stress fracture on my tibia lateral malleolus. Although frustrating as ever, coming so far and being only two races away from a potential State title, it is what it is.

If you learn anything from life, it’s that it is by no means fair. With the shock finally beginning to wear off; I’ve came to the realization that this injury is nothing more than a blessing in disguise. It allows me to setback for a moment and evaluate all that I do regarding running, to discover my strengths and weaknesses and what needs to be fixed in order to be a more efficient runner.

When I found out the news it seemed as if nothing could possibly cheer me up, but with the task that I dreaded to complete, my day made a full 180 degree turn.

To call Coach Spangler, my potential future coach, and tell him that I was diagnosed with a stress fracture was one of the hardest phone calls that I’ve ever had to make. I had no idea what his reaction would be or what to expect so I was beyond relieved to find how understanding that he was about the injury. His thoughts about me didn’t change one bit and he still wanted me on the team as much as before.

It is so inspiring to have someone like Coach Spangler to look up to, as he has experienced much adversity throughout his high school career, being an avid runner as well. Something that has stuck in my mind since the day we talked on the phone was when he said told me that this injury wasn’t a big deal, just a minor setback and when I get back out on that track and start running again to my full potential, I will look back to this day as if it were a blur, like it was nothing but a bump in the road that I had the strength the overcome.

He encouraged me that the only reason runners get hurt is because they are pushing themselves to their limits day in and day out, they shape their entire lives around running and sometimes the body just needs a break and there’s absolutely nothing that can be done about it.

Coach Spangler’s positive attitude and ability to relate to us runners is one of the main reasons why I decided to choose to commit to UF. Along with the top notch coaching, the entire team was beyond welcoming and made me feel at home. I had the opportunity to run with the girls and to go out and socialize with them all on my visit and I felt like I fit in perfectly.

It's safe to say that I was under the treatment of a rock star for the time frame of 48 hours. Being on campus for a relatively short amount of time, I was still able to experience the college atmosphere and see what being a student athlete at UF would entail.

I was looking for a well-rounded school, with academics, athletics and a good environment and UF seemed to meet my requirements perfectly. The possibilities at UF are endless - from the one on one attention, to the wide range of facilities, I don’t know what more I could ask for upon making my college decision.

I was also interested in FSU since my sister went there for undergraduate and graduate school, so I was already familiar with the campus. As far as out of state schools, I looked into the University of Mississippi, the University of Colorado at Boulder, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State, to name a few.

I’m doing my best to keep my positive spirits and stay motivated throughout recovery. My intentions are to keep up my fitness through cross training, which will also speed up the process and help deal with not being able to run. 

My goals for track remain high, and I plan to come back stronger and more focused than ever before. I will probably continue to double and do the 1600 and 3200, but put my main focus on the 3200, which I feel the strongest and most confident in.

With my PR being 10:53 for the 3200, my intentions are to strive for 10:30 and to win my first state title. Although the 1600 isn’t my strongest race, I’m still planning on making a strong showing and working toward a sub 5 minute mile, which puts me in the running to place  among the top competitors.

As you all reflect on your season, and enjoy a well-deserved break before it all begins again with track approaching, I hope you all keep this thought in mind: No one can beat the one who never gives up.

When you begin to have doubts and training gets tough, when you try your best and don’t see results, all you can do is continue to persevere and hold your head high because it always gets better and even if you haven’t had your victory yet, know that your time is soon to come, as it does for all those who never give up on their dreams.

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and a relaxing rest of the break. Can’t wait to see you all ready to tear up the track in the New Year!

Special thanks to Doctor Bob for allowing me the great privilege and opportunity to blog for DistancePreps throughout the season and to share my thoughts with the running community. Also, I couldn’t be more thankful for my family and friends who have supported me and encouraged me to never give up, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without them.