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Ida |
| I love cross country. Everyone that knows me knows it. I love the freeness that running gives me; it is an opportunity to get away from life and be somewhere else. Running is something that will be a part of my life until my legs won’t go another step. I had only hoped that I would have been on teams like we have had here. Jenny, Po and Karl — with a “K” — we have seen them all, and can look back and smile about all of them. The most important part of it is the heart and personality that the teams have had. Coming in as freshman, we weren’t exactly sure what to do, but as the years went by we became a little surer and lo and behold we were planning the trips to DQ and The Rock. So I thank you all for the last four years and the hours — well, days — spent together. Anna and Keri — I haven’t forgotten about you — how could I? I can’t decide if I have laughed more at Anna or Keri, but without you two, I can’t imagine the team. I am so proud of your accomplishments and am even prouder to say that you are my friends, no matter if you count my hugs or not. Just a few more, all of the alums, your support at meets is appreciated — thanks for not forgetting us we will never forget you. Ellen, I can’t wait to see what you can accomplish with these wonderful girls next year, they are ready to go, HAVE FUN!! All of the coaches that we have had, Skemper, Ward, Kirk, Emily and “Max” have each shaped us into the people that we are. Skemp, thanks for the time spent, you have had a significant hand in shaping me into the runner and the person that I am today, the year on the ski team is one of my best memories of SMU, thank you. he cross country team is amazing, the secret meetings at night, ultimate Frisbee, counting 770 steps, the pool workouts, flag fartlek, canoeing and playing stickball. Think about how many times we have run past the oak tree, or done the K loop, or run up mile hill and heard about what Jenny’s plan is to get out of it. How many times have we shouted out to the animals of the forest? I’m sure that we have the loudest practices and the most laughs and know the most random facts about each other thanks to all of the ups that we do. It is all of this that makes me love this sport. Now, most importantly, I want to thank Mom and Dad. Everyone on the team knows you and looks forward to hearing your cheers and your hugs after the meet. The hours that you have driven to see me run for 20some minutes couldn’t possibly balance, but I look forward to hearing "Hey Erin!!" during warm-ups. Thank you for the hours spent in the summer driving to races and also the encouragement to eat my meat. Thank you for the time put into it and your open arms. Also thank you to the rest of the supporters that have followed me, Matt, you are a great big brother, thanks for yelling at me to go faster also to G and K for their time spent as well with me. I love you all, and I love running. Girls and guys I want to once again make it clear to you- I want running to be something fun for you to do, once it loses the luster, then it is time to stop. I know that I won’t be stopping for sometime, cause I’m still smiling. |