Thursday was the Regional Cross Country Championship for the girls and boys teams. Judy and her team had a good day placing sixth overall in the girls team competition. The top six teams go on to the State Championship next Saturday. This is a real accomplishment as this particular region is the most competitive in the State. Anyway this should be a great experience for the girls.
The day before the race had been rainy and the course was slick in spots, but otherwise it was a perfect race day. The day started out a typical crisp Fall day, but with a lot of sunshine throughout the day the air was gently warmed. By the 3:00 pm start time the air was sparkling clear in anticipation.
As the teams nervously assembled at the starting line, some teams would huddle together with their coaches in the infield, probably for a last minute strategy check 
and pep talk. Before breaking up they would scream in unison their team ethic, "hard core" or something to that effect that would echo out over the field. Then as the race organizer delivered his final instructions to the runners, every person (parent, coach and student) standing around the starting infield become very quiet---fixed on the spectacle about to unfold. After the crack of the starter's pistol firing all hell breaks loose for the next twenty-odd minutes as the girls attack the course through the screaming throngs of supporters that surge to the sides of the course.
and pep talk. Before breaking up they would scream in unison their team ethic, "hard core" or something to that effect that would echo out over the field. Then as the race organizer delivered his final instructions to the runners, every person (parent, coach and student) standing around the starting infield become very quiet---fixed on the spectacle about to unfold. After the crack of the starter's pistol firing all hell breaks loose for the next twenty-odd minutes as the girls attack the course through the screaming throngs of supporters that surge to the sides of the course. 
The course for the regionals is tough, hilly terrain. Not rolling hills but steep hills that turn your legs to jello by the time you reach the top--and the downhills are technical as well. If you're not careful it's easy to take a spill. As mentioned, Judy had a good race but did fall on one of the hills that likely cost her a few seconds. I walked back to the hilly part of the course which is back in the woods that overlooked the infield and was surprised to see many students along the course who were there to shout support for their friends and teammates. You needed friends in these woods to fend off the wildlife.
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