The Runner’s Journey Collection E-book 2
Chasing New Heights is the continuation of Holly’s journey as she transitions into highschool, the place new challenges await her on and off the cross nation course. After a triumphant center faculty season, Holly faces elevated competitors, self-doubt, and the stress of management as she mentors youthful runners like Mia.
With the state championships on the horizon, Holly should stability the load of expectations, her friendships, and her ardour for working. By way of perseverance, she discovers that success isn’t just about successful however about private development, teamwork, and embracing the journey.
Excerpt from Chasing New Heights © Copyright 2024 Sean Lacow
Chapter 1: First Day of Excessive College
The early morning solar solid lengthy shadows throughout the sidewalk as Holly stood outdoors her home, backpack slung over one shoulder, staring down the road that led to the bus cease. The cool air had the crispness of late summer time, however as a substitute of feeling invigorated, Holly felt a knot of tension tightening in her abdomen. Right this moment was the primary day of highschool. It wasn’t simply one other first day of college; it felt like a monumental shift in her life. Every part she knew—every little thing she’d grown comfy with—was about to vary.
Holly exhaled slowly, attempting to calm her racing coronary heart. She adjusted the strap of her backpack and glanced down at her reflection within the automobile window parked within the driveway. Her auburn hair was pulled again right into a excessive ponytail, free strands falling into her face regardless of what number of occasions she brushed them away. She was sporting her favourite hoodie, the one which made her really feel secure and cozy, even on essentially the most difficult days. It hung loosely round her body, the cuffs worn from years of nervous tugging.
She couldn’t cease fidgeting—her fingers continuously twisting the material of her hoodie as if that may someway dispel the nervous vitality coiled inside her. However nothing appeared to assist. Her thoughts was a whirlwind of ideas, most of them revolving round cross nation. Positive, immediately was the primary day of lessons, nevertheless it wasn’t English or math that she was nervous about. It was the primary follow with the highschool cross nation crew.
The considered it made her abdomen flip. She had skilled so laborious over the summer time, waking up earlier than dawn to run the quiet streets of her neighborhood, attempting to organize herself for the problem that lay forward. Each morning, she’d pushed herself a little bit tougher, a little bit additional, telling herself that it could all repay when the season began. However even after weeks of grueling coaching, the doubts have been nonetheless there, nagging on the edges of her thoughts.
What if I’m not adequate?
The query popped into her head uninvited, prefer it at all times did. Irrespective of how a lot she tried to push it away, it at all times got here again. She had informed herself that she belonged on this crew, that she had earned her spot after a robust center faculty season. However highschool was a unique world, with sooner runners, longer races, and extra intense competitors. After which there was Grace.
Grace had been the speak of the cross nation scene all summer time. Even earlier than the college 12 months began, Holly had heard whispers about her—a freshman like Holly, however with a repute that was already bigger than life. Grace was quick, sooner than a lot of the upperclassmen, and her occasions from center faculty have been the stuff of legend. Folks have been saying that she was going to guide the crew to state this 12 months, perhaps even win all of it. Holly had by no means met her, however the considered competing towards somebody like Grace solely added to the stress.
Focus, Holly. She shook her head, attempting to clear the fog of doubt. It’s simply the primary day. One step at a time.
The bus cease was just a few blocks away, however the stroll felt longer than ordinary. Every step was a reminder of the load urgent down on her, the invisible expectations she carried on her shoulders. She wished she may return to center faculty, the place issues had felt easier. Again then, she had recognized everybody, had felt comfy together with her teammates. She had been a part of one thing—a crew the place she belonged. However now… every little thing felt totally different.
When she lastly reached the bus cease, there have been already just a few college students gathered there, chatting and laughing as if this have been simply one other regular day. Holly lingered on the fringe of the group, feeling awkward and misplaced. None of them have been acquainted. They have been most likely upperclassmen, already relaxed with the routine of highschool. She envied them.
The bus arrived with a screech of brakes, and Holly climbed on, sliding into an empty seat close to the again. She stared out the window because the bus pulled away, her thoughts wandering again to the summer time.
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