Jenn's Blog

Before

Nationals. It was the experience of a lifetime. Leaving at 3:45 AM, Thursday, November 15th, was definitely a challenge. Can't say we were the friendliest, but it was worth it. We took two planes. The first departed from La Guardia Aiport, and laid over into Ohio. From there, we were only a plane ride away from our dream. We finally, made it into Arkansas. With our destination only being an hour away by car, at this point, you could only imagine the hungry struggle. Stopping off at a deli was the best decision of the trip. McAlister's, the best deli in Joplin, Missouri. Of course opinion not fact. After eating a delicious meal, we were well on our way to the hotel. Knowing the race was only two days away, always sparked a few nerves, but never took away from the moments. 

Jennifer McNally & Larissa Melendez
Ohio Airport

Arkansas Airport

McAlister's Deli "Spud"

McAlister's Deli Menu
Joplin, Missouri

Middle

We ran the course the day we got there, and the following day. It gave us the chance to get familiar with what our competition grounds would be like. This course was like no other that we've ever seen. It had the NCAA logo painted near the starting line. Large, professional signs, were fenced around the entire beginning of the course. We used this time to bond, and come together as a team one last time. To give it all we have. What better of an idea is there for a bunch of girls to do together than to see the new Twilight! After, the movie, we enjoyed ourselves at the Award Ceremony. There we watched the top athletes from each region get awarded, and the head coach of the Adelphi Women's Cross Country Team, got awarded coach of the year. Well deserved. 

NCAA Logo near the starting line of the course
Joplin, Missouri

Katie Rees, Head Coach (Third one from the right) Coach of the year
Picture taken by Adelphi Athletics

End

Race day. The moment has finally come for us to do what we've been waiting all season for. What seemed only like a dream becoming reality. Everyone girl standing at that line deserved the spot they were in. From, day one of the season we were a different team. Everyone had the same goal, and for that reason is why we got to Nationals. As we all approached the line, what seemed like an eternity, ended up flashing before our eyes. Having near 300 girls if not more in our race, truly made the race intimidating, but we weren't going to let that hold us back. Being it was our first Nationals race, nothing huge was expected from us, but the expectation was running with our hearts. As, cliche as that sounds, it was true. The results left us with the title of being the 26th best team in the nation. The proudest moment of our lives. If I could go back, it wouldn't be to change anything, but to experience it again. This team truly is something else. 

Awards Ceremony
Picture taken by Adelphi Athletics

Post race picture
Picture taken by Adelphi Athletics

Pre-race picture
Picture taken by Adelphi Athletics