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Bitten by the Cross Country Bug?

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My college running days

My husband and I have been secretly hoping that one of our children would be bitten by the cross country bug. We actually met while we were both running cross country and track for the University of Colorado. My husband has continued to compete throughout the years, while I run for enjoyment only now.

All three of our children grew up playing soccer. If you’re a regular on my blog, you know we pretty much live and breathe soccer here. But they all ran cross country in middle school too. Our youngest (E) just finished his season; our two oldest are in high school now. All did quite well on the trails. E wanted me to share that last year his sister placed second at the Middle School State Cross Country Championships. (I think he’s proud of her. Isn’t it nice when your kids are happy about each other’s accomplishments? I just love that!) For both of our older children though, the allure of the soccer ball was too strong, and that’s what they are playing in high school.

E really had a great time running this season. While he does play soccer in the fall and the spring, he also loves snowboarding and BMX racing. He likes a little more variety in his sports. If you ask him what his favorite sport is, he’ll ask you, “which season?” It has been a lot of fun for us to watch E and his teammates race this fall. He’s been running neck and neck all season with one of his teammates…the two of them tend to work together in the races. They support rather than compete with one another, which is nice to see.

Teamwork

Saturday was the Middle School State Championships. With over 400 runners in the race, E came in 32nd. He listened to his dad’s advice and started picking off runners half way through the race. He was determined and focused. We were so proud of him!

We’re excited that he thinks he wants to run cross country in high school. Of course it’s still another year and a half away, so it’s possible he’ll change his mind. But I hope he doesn’t. Whatever he decides though, we’ll be supportive. My husband and I really do both love soccer now, because our kids got us hooked. I think it’s important for kids to find something that they really love, whether it’s a sport or another activity. But running has been such a big part of our lives, that in the back of our minds, we’ve always hoped that one of our children would fall in love with the sport too. And I think one finally might have!

Have you ever tried running on the trails? Do you prefer running on the trails or the roads?

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Leah Davidson

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

I love that your kids all are so active and involved - and soccer is great - but so is running! It's amazing to watch that passion develop, isn't it? I also love those moments when they are so supportive of their siblings! Makes me feel all happy inside to know that they really do love and care for each other!

Michelle Nahom

Monday 11th of November 2013

Well it's not always that way! But I thought it was very sweet of him...he was quite adamant that it be included even though I kept saying to him that the post was about him! His sister is an amazing runner, but it's not her passion (at least not at the moment).

Michelle Nahom

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

Thanks Brittnei! It was funny looking back at my old college pics...I look so young! I'm glad to have one enjoying running, but I will enjoy their sports no matter what they choose! :)

Brittnei

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

Michelle! This is so awesome! I love your old school pic by the way! Your kids sounds so awesome. It is great to support them when they want to participate in sports and activities. I totally agree! I hope you guys get your wish though for E. :)

Stacey

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

I was on the track team in school, so I was ecstatic when my son announced in 6th grade that he wanted to do cross country. He loves it, and his favorite thing to do on the weekends is run a 5K.

Michelle Nahom

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

Love it! That is so awesome!! Mine have only run a handful of 5ks but that's probably because soccer takes up their whole weekends! We usually run one at Thanksgiving, but this year it's not happening because one has a soccer tournament and the other two made skiing plans!

Joi

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

I'm excited for you all. I'm hoping for children who love basketball. I'm like you, I'm cool with whatever interest children as long as they're enthused by it. I just hope they don't fall in love with an outside spring sport because I can't deal with the pollen.

Michelle Nahom

Tuesday 5th of November 2013

I hope you get kids who love basketball! It's nice to have something to share! I do think its best if they find their own passion...but I've just been secreting hoping someone would have the same one!