Go

 

I picked up my blocks and remembered to breathe. Sun, grass and dirt flashing through my mind.  I step out onto the track, a place I feel comfortable.  I find my lane and I begin.

Adrenaline courses through my veins as I kneel down and measure out my spot, one palm from the start line, place blocks. One foot, set left front block. Two feet, set right back block. Breathe. Check angle of both blocks and adjust if needed.  I knew this process by heart; I had them burned into my memory.  Breathe. Check the angle at the curve. Adjust. Breathe. Time to test my abilities.

My body has wanted this moment since I stepped off of the bus.  A chilly wind came up and caused my warmed skin to goose bump.  I jump up once, twice, three times and throw my arms back to stretch.  I slowly jog to the front of my blocks. Kneeling down I place my fingers just before the white line and stretch my legs back places one foot on the back right block and the other on the front left. Lean forward, spring up and go.  Check my breathing. Check my balance. Adjust if needed. I repeat this process until I feel adjusted enough then I wait. Breathe. Listen.

Orders come and soon I stand behind my blocks.  More orders and I come to my marks and when everyone stills, set. My chin, placed almost against my chest as I stare at the ground in front of me. The only though I have is to breathe; I have to let my body remember each movement as I had practiced for countless hours. Listen for the gun, you have this in the bag, breathe. Bang! Spring up and forward at the same time. Right foot, left foot, right again, go! Inner corner, don’t cross the line and go! Straight stretch, stride out, breathe, go! Inner corner, don’t cross that line, listen for others, breathe, go! Straight stretch, give it all you have left and go. Beat the ones to your right, pass the ones on your left, no one in your peripheral, keep them behind you and go. Hear the screams, the screams that aren’t just for you. I can pick out my Dad yelling, “Go Jess!” I hear Dori screaming, “Yes Jess!” as I cross the finish line and break that ribbon.  Inhale, exhale and smile. I turn around and hug each girl, giving them my congratulations. I walk back to the finish line and I get my time. Breathe, you did it.

I walked away from the track that day as a district champ in the 400 meter dash.  I also took home district champ for the 800 meter run. When I began my race I knew that divisionals was on the line. The end of my track season depended on my race. The race overwhelmed me and gave me a motivation. I wanted that race; it belonged to me and no one else. I set my mind and I followed through. I took a deep breath and went.