Fatal Redemption | J.J.K.

XXXII

PAIGE;
I laid my head on Xavier's stomach as I listened to music to get me 'hyped' up. We were protected from the bright sun as we laid under the team tent.

Bits of sun shined through the mesh as I covered my eyes with my sleeve. I had on grey sweatpants and my school XC hoodie because it was still a little chilly.

I was relaxing now because I was running a little later.

After awhile I decided to start stretching with my best friend. Xavier still couldn't believe he's a boys varsity runner, even now.

I stretched my arms and tried to warm up despite it being cold. I stretched my legs next, I hated every second of it but it was a crucial routine.

Soon the time came as I changed out of my comfy clothes and put them in my duffle bag.

My uniform shirt for cross country was silver with blue and white font along with my number dib and a pair of black nike spandex, I also had on my new running shoes.

They weren't fresh from the box because I had to break them in through the summer but they were new to the season.

I had black KT tape on my shoulder muscles and on both of my knees for 'support' and because Elmore ordered me to.

"You got this Paige!" I heard Xavier yell from the tent, I smiled and shook my head.

I was jumping up and down, wiggling my arms trying to get warmed up. A few seconds later I was ready.

I joined my team and stayed in the back, running in the front when starting was literally hell.

"Let's go Paige!" I heard Coles little voice yell in the crowd. I smiled to myself.

I let out an exhale and got ready in my stance. It was silent as we waited for the gun to go off.

'BANG!'

It rang off and we all started running, most girls took off as I shook my head.

I kept my pace as I ran with other runners down the track, we were doing the figure eight today but with more distance added to it.

I passed more and more runners through the course. We were in part of the Summit behind the school now as we continued running. I kept my eyes on the trail or occasionally on the person who guided us.

I made it to the front and continued running. A few runners from rival schools were quickly falling behind.

I kept following the trail, I noticed I was almost done. I kept my breathing in place as I moved my arms.

I could finally see the finish line, I sighed. It was the last strip, it was just straight from there then a curve back into the field.

I started to sprint, I never dared to look back. That was the number one rule my dad taught me.

'Never look back when running, always keep your head straight'

My strides were longer and quicker as I ran through the crowd. Some were cheering for my school and others for different schools.

I kept my focus on my breath and movements. I turned to enter the field when everyone started going crazy.

"Let's go Paige!" I heard from everyone, I was happy but remained calm.

I ran through the finish line and stopped, to catch my breath.

"Our first finisher, Senior from Silverton high school Paige Ryder" I heard a bunch of people cheer.