Falcon Cross Country, 2021

After working hard all summer long in their summer run program, the kids were excited to start their cross-country season off strong! Last year, this whole cross country thing was new to us, so it felt good to be coming back with a little more experience and more knowledge of what to expect. 

Just like last year, the kids met with their team to practice three mornings a week (M-W-F) at 8:30am for ten weeks. They practiced at a different location each day so they could focus on pace, hills, and endurance. Brianna (6th grade) and Brenson (4th grade) are both considered elementary runners and competed as such. The season began on August 23, and they ran in five meets this season. 

Coach Renee is serious about practicing and pretty much doesn't cancel . . . the kids don't seem to mind practicing in the heat, wind, cold, or rain!

Our first meet was on August 28 in Sequoyah. It was a hot one, but the kids both made great improvements on their times from last year! This race was 1900m.

Brianna placed 40th for elementary girls, running the course in 11:25 (9:41 miles pace). It was a 1 minute and 14 second course PR for her!

Bren placed 32nd in the elementary boys race. He ran the course in 10:41 (9:04 mile pace). He set a 58 second course PR!

Their second race was in Foyil on September 9th. Last year, I remember wearing hoodies to this meet as it was chilly. Not so this year . . . it was very warm! 

Elementary girls team

Maegan, Bri, Kyrie, Ruby, Samantha, and Immaline

Brianna set a 30 second course PR, placing 65th and completing the course in 9:56. 

Elementary boys team

Bren, Elijah, Gavon, Josiah, and Cade

I don't have any photos of Bren running, but he set a 19 second course PR. He placed 61st and completed the course in 8:52.

The most special thing about this meet was that the kids' former PE teacher, Mrs. S, came to watch them run. Bri's face just lit up when she saw her!

She's definitely one of our favorite teachers ever!

The next meet of the season was September 18th at Holland Hall. This course was a little different as the kids finished the last 300m on the track. This race was also much bigger than most races the kids have competed in. Bren finished 83/160, running the mile course in 8:39.

Brianna finished 100/138, completing the mile course in 10:15.

On October 4th, the kids competed just around the corner from our house at Claremore Christian. I don't have any photos from this meet, but they both ran hard. Brenson finished the one mile course in 8:59, placing 70/135. Brianna placed 50/86 and ran it in 9:42 (14 second course PR). 

Before the last week of the season, one of the families from our team graciously hosted a team cookout. They have a few acres, so we were able to have a bonfire and the kids had a blast running and playing with each other. 

It doesn't matter that Brooke and Brecklyn aren't officially on the team . . . they had a great time playing with these girls!

Ruby, Immaline, Izzy, Neriah, Brecklyn, and Brooke

Owasso Falcons XC - 2023

Coach Renee gave out fun and funny awards to each runner, as well as a scrapbook from the season. I love how well she knows each of them! Brianna received the "Most likely to be scared by Zane" award, lol. 

Brenson was awarded "Most likely to own a demolition crew". Because of course!

Cross-country homeschool nationals was on October 30th in Springfield, Missouri. We traveled up on Friday, October 29th so the kids could walk the course. It was pretty cold, but the autumn colors were amazing!

Look at those trees!

Brecklyn and Brooke

Brianna and Brenson

Autumn is my favorite!

Of course, the camera never really captures the beauty of the colors.

The races began first thing Saturday morning. Brenson was ready to get the show on the road!

Then, he got a little anxious about things. Chris had to give him a pep talk.

Even with the nerves, he had a strong start. He ran the two mile course in 16:35 (8:17 mile pace). 

Brianna doesn't often get pre-race jitters. She's just ready to do what needs to be done!

She finished the two mile course in 19:13 (9:36 mile pace).

 Cross Country 2021 Stats:

Brianna

• 08/28 - 11:25 (9:41 mile pace)
• 09/09 - 9:56
• 09/18 - 10:15
• 10/04 - 9:42
• 10/30 - 19:13 (9:36 mile pace)

Brenson

• 08/28 - 10:41 (9:04 mile pace)
• 09/09 - 8:52
• 09/18 - 8:39
• 10/04 - 8:59
• 10/30 - 16:35 (8:17 mile pace)

We loved watching these kiddos run this season! It's fun to see them make improvements to their times, but more than that we know they are learning discipline, diligence, teamwork, and comradery. Cross country is truly about so much more than running!