That track season I trained hard, trying to use my XC season as something to build off of. With lots of pain,tears, and blood I finshed my track year with reaching my mile goal of 4:58, and two mile goal of 11:06 and 800m goal of 2:18. The good first year of track made me eligable to train for a shot at a varsity spot on Cross Country.
With high hopes and little respect from the better runners I entered training with hopes of snagging one of seven varsity spots. With about 15 contenders for seven spots I focused on my training and entered every workout with my goals on my mind, and I pushed my hardest and tested the limits on the human body and mind. Battling through hill training, intervals, and tempo runs I was noticing more strength, speed, and endurance unlike I have ever had before. This was due in part to my dedication, and never missing a practice for three and a half months.
On the fourth of July, I was tested. My first race since training began. When I came through at 17:24, I was not very surprised (even with the 2:03 PR!!). As our trainiing peaked out in Big Bear with a 80 mile week we prepared for our next race. Now when I found out my time this time, I was much more surprised and happy. Snagging the fourth spot on my team in 16:37 (2:50 PR from last year!!!). With that I trained, trained, and trained. I ended the summer with 707 miles and setting a new school mileage record with my friend.
During the course of the season I improved and improved without EVER running a single bad race. Running my slowest time of 16:36 on the Mt.Sac course. I was the most consistent on the team. With the last cross country race in my high school career and with one chance to reach my ultimate goal, my hard work, my sacrafices, pain, everything I had ever worked for finally paid off. I ran the race of my life and shattered the 16 minute barrier with a time of 15:52, and setting my name in history as #29 ALL-TIME at my school of 90 years old. The joy I felt that windy and cloudy day can not even be described in words. It put my heart at ease and gave me a piece of accomplishment that no one can ever take. I thank my coach, and most importantly my parents for always believing in me, and helping my reach for the stars. Thank You, Chris Massi
2001 PR-19:27,
2002 PR-15:52, Improvement- 3:35
