MyJourney: First day of practice.

All summer I couldn't wait to go to my first day of practice. This was impossible though because the whole summer I was on vacation. I was in Oklahoma for the summer visiting family. I ran once over there for "training".

I had finally got back on August 5th. I came home to a home being remodeled. Not exactly home sweet home. As I remembered I had no bed or even carpet. I didn't care. I was just excited for practice.

The day finally came. August 7th, 2006. 4 years ago today. My dad gave me a ride to practice. I walked up to the track and it was locked. That threw me off. Then I saw two girls hopping the fence. I asked them about practice. Turned out that practice was tomorrow. I was disappointed. So I called for a ride home and awaited another day.

August 8th, 2006. The day had finally come. I arrived at practice at 6:00. I was a tiny kid of 4'10", 70 something pounds. Yes I was that small. I came in my Vernon P.E. clothes and some old New Balance shoes that I had had since 6th grade. Those were my favorite shoes. I wore my 6 minute mile shirt. I came in pretty confident. I mean I was a 6 minute miler. So I got to the track and sat down. I only knew one person there, Katie. The people sitting were pretty awkwardly quiet while there was some others playing Soccer. Little did I know everyone else there though I was someones little brother. I sat waiting for practice to start and BAM! Soccer ball smashes into my face. Not a good start. I later find out 2 years later that my "brother" Gustavo was the one that did it.

So we all got split into our groups. My group was with Ricardo and his cousin. I started my run with the varsity guys. I could take it. This wasn't so hard. I kept thinking I'm a 6 minute miler! I got to only San Jose Street and had to start walking. My legs hurt with every single step and I still had 1.5 miles to go. I finished the "run".

I arrived home limping. I was so tired that it was hard to even walk the steps up to my house.

When asked if I was going to go again, I said yes.

They didn't think I would make it. 4 years later I am still running.