Win or lose

Fattima and Mude before the race

This past weekend we made our way over to Pocatello Idaho which is about 9-10 hours away. This is where the state tournament was to be held and also where the elevation is quite different than it is on the North end of the state. Pocatello has an elevation of 4,462 and our area is about 2,579. I had no idea this could have such an impact on runners, the teams from the North were at a huge disadvantage.

I watched other races and saw our top runners struggling and coming in at times that were not a reflection of their usual runs but still I had no idea what this meant.

When Mude’s race came I expected to see him towards the front of the pack  based on his time at districts . I stood waiting and worrying and he finally came jogging past, red faced, sweat drenched and moving very slowly.

By the end of the race he was gasping for air and had trouble breathing. I was worried he would collapse on the way in and felt a bit panicked. Foof and I ran over trails, wet grass and dirt to locate him.

He made it to the end where he dropped to his knees, his teammates ran over to check on him and called for help. The coach came, grabbed him and walked him to the medical tent where he was taken care of and eventually his breathing regulated to normal.

I was so happy that we made the trip and that we were there for him! I also witnessed teammates, family and friends all waiting near the tent for him to breathe easily and finally walk away. His coaches held him up, stood in the tent, monitored him and in general were his support and have been for the past four years!

When he was stable and doing well Foof and I made our way back to Boise and the next day, back home. I left him in their hands and felt totally confident that he was being taken care of as if I were there on the bus with him.

I was relieved when he was able to breathe easily, but he was disappointed that this race was not what he had expected. I reminded him that he was ok and that he made it across the finish line! He came in second at districts and based on his season I felt he would be one of the top runners and would have a great PR.  He barely made it through the race and I am surprised that he crossed the finish line.

Life is full of so many lessons and this was just one small one! I could not be more proud of him!! He is taking the week off and informed me that he will then be back in training for the coming track season!

It really is true, it is how you play the game and not whether you win or lose!!