I’m Katie Adams, and I go to Marengo Community High School. It has been a rollercoaster ride for me these past few years of running. Last year, though, it seemed like everything started coming together. My cross country season went very well. Being a senior, my ultimate goal in cross country was to enjoy every minute of it since it was my last running in the maroon and white uniform. I have always had an issue of getting too caught up in the training and racing that I lose the fun and enjoyment I get from running. This can be both a blessing and a curse.

However, I think I changed that mindset in cross last season because it was the best I have ever had both team wise and individually. I was undefeated all season leading up to the state meet. Having the expectation to win state was such a different feeling for me. It was actually extremely exciting. Unfortunately, things did not go exactly how I wanted them to at state. Having an unexpected injury occur during the race was something that I didn’t think would ever happen. Even though I didn’t have full physical strength, I had to be strong mentally to finish the race. I couldn’t bear to let my team down since we had come so far to actually make it there. I ended up getting ninth which actually surprised me considering the circumstances. I was, however, still devastated at my results. I had trained harder and smarter than ever before, and I felt like none of it was worth it.

I wanted to carry out my plan and bring home a state title, but I realized that things aren’t always going to work out the way you want them to. There are going to be many obstacles that get in your way from all that you want to achieve, but you just can’t let them stop you. After calming down after the race and talking with my teammates, they helped me remember that running is a gift. I must be appreciative and grateful for all that I have accomplished rather than focus on what I didn’t accomplish. Placing fifth as a team at state was a great reminder of that. It was pretty incredible considering we didn’t even make it as a team last year.

The best thing about this sport is that you never stop learning. I truly believe that I am going to accomplish even greater things in the future. Having one bad race in an incredible season is not something I am ashamed of. If anything, I am using it as fuel and motivation for track. I have some great goals that I have my eyes set on to accomplish this year. With quality training under my belt already, I can’t wait for the track season to begin.