Sprinting to the Finish

MadHatter can run.  I mean, really run.  We found out almost by accident about two years ago at her school sports day.  She ran her heat of the 50 meters and blew everyone away.  She ran the finals and was thisclose to winning (seriously, it was a photo finish).  But then she didn't race again until the next sports day a year later, so we didn't think much of it.  And then she tied the same girl in the same race, and it sparked something in her but since there were no track and field teams in our International school we never pursued it any further.  That is until we got back to the U.S. this fall and MadHatter brought home a magazine full of athletic clubs that kids her age could join.  She had already circled the one for the Track and Field club in our area that started up in late January.  I immediately called, paid her yearly dues, and we waited (not so) patiently for January to roll around.

It is now late March, and MadHatter has been diligently going to practice 3-4 times per week (even some Saturday mornings).  She has been working on her form, her stamina, and her strength.  To her dismay, she has learned that even though she is a sprinter, she must do the longer runs to build up her lung capacity.  She has practiced her explosive starts and how to harness her fast twitch muscles.  She has also learned that she still has a lot to learn and has to be patient with her progress.

And, this past weekend, she has had her eyes opened to the fact that even though she is the fastest girl in her age group (or almost any age group) on her team, she is not the fastest in the league.  At least not yet.  She is determined to get there though, and I am very proud of how dedicated she is to be the best she can be.  A lot of these girls have been running for many years (club running starts at 5, not 11) and she has a long way to go but her times are still pretty impressive (she runs about a 14 second 100 m).  Faster than I have ever been that is without question.

Our first meet of the season was last Saturday, and she did great.  I can't wait to see how the season progresses.  I'll keep you posted on her standings.  She is shooting for the Jr. Olympics this year - I am shooting for a fun season.

So official!

Cheering on her teammates.  Track is a lot of hurry up and stand around.  Run for 14 seconds.  Wait 3 hours.  Run for 25 seconds.  Wait 3 hours...You get the picture.

On the field waiting with her teammates for the 400m (her least favorite race).

So fast she is blurry :)

And tired.  She dislikes the 400 because it is technically still a sprint but a heck of a long one.  She is not used to it yet.

This is how Stinkerbell passes the time - coloring, listening to her iPad, hoarding snacks and drinks and eating snow cones.  I think she enjoys the track meets as much as her sister does.

Running the 100m.  She placed 4th and, for her first time, it was a fabulous race.

She actually placed better in the 200m (3rd), and we both learned a few things.  You MUST have sprinting spikes to even compete - and you have to eat something between races, so you have energy.  Next time we will be better prepared!