November 17, 2003

In the weeks before nationals, the Emory cross country women begin their annual tradition of "inspiration gifts". Each person on the team signs up for a day to inspire the rest. On that day she presents us all with a unique team-centered gift.

This year, our gifts have ranged from tie-dyed socks, to a team CD. While the inspiration gifts might seem like a strange, childish tradition to outsiders, we cherish them. Each gift shows individual love and dedication toward the team.

The quality of our gifts this year shows me how strong of a team that we have. The creativity and time involved with each token outdoes the gifts I received both freshman and sophomore years. We have made better inspiration gifts, not because we have more time or more artistic talent, but because we care more about our team than we have in years past.

Of course, the most solid proof of our team unity comes from race performances, especially that of this Saturday. Despite injuries and sickness, our first four athletes showed amazing team spirit. They encouraged each other along all the way to the finish line--where they crossed within a few seconds of one another. Coaches and spectators have phoned Coach Curtin in order to applaud this team attitude.

However, not all of us have the ability to be one of the team's superstars. That does not stop us from contributing to the team unity. At the regional meet, the non-runners among us painted our faces, cheered loudly, and made encouraging posters for those competing. Besides that, the inspiration gifts give us another opportunity to boost our team unity and spirit in a visible way.

My inspiration day comes this Wednesday. I have spent a lot of time already, time I could have used to study, on preparing a gift. I only hope that what I make shows the rest of the team how much they mean to me.

Colleen Brady is a junior from Jonesville, Mich.

November 10, 2003

On November 1, the team left Chicago with disappointment. Despite a few personal triumphs, we did not feel enthusiastic about our third-place finish in the UAA meet. Tears and silence defined the day because we had expected and wanted more than the bronze.

While one race does not determine the strength of a team, a single failure has the potential to destruct team confidence and unity. Instead, we have been using our disappointment as fuel, approaching every practice session with determination. We will not let one meet get us down.

Since the Saturday of UAAs, the team has had a week of successful training and morale building. In fact, we have seen some of the very best workouts of the entire season. Day by day, our confidence and spirits have risen as we approach the final tests of the season--the regional and national championship meets.

This Saturday, we plan to regain our respect as the most powerful team in the South. We have the talent, ambition, and dedication to continue our long-standing streak of regional victories.

However, in the midst of fierce competition, we need extra encouragement through fan support. Please join us this Saturday and help us to prove the force of Emory cross country. Let's go Eagles!

Colleen Brady is a junior from Jonesville, Mich.

November 3, 2003

Throughout the season you have been reading about cross country from the perspectives of two veterans. So this week I figured I would let you hear what the first-year runners have to say about Emory cross country.

Running was so helpful in getting adjusted to college. It gives you an immediate group of friends, upperclassmen who know what they are doing, and something to look forward to every day.
Ellie Butler

My favorite part about cross country is the team aspect. I believe the reason our team is so successful is because we get along so well. When we are running a race we all encourage each other and help each other through the race. Outside of practice we eat meals together and go out on the weekends. I enjoy being part of a group of girls who are all motivated and determined to do well.
Amy DiBianca

As a freshman, cross country has been one of my best experiences at Emory. It has challenged me both mentally and physically and has introduced me to so many wonderful girls.
Caroline Hagedorn

When I first came to Emory I was constantly comparing my experiences here with my last season of running at NYU. I quickly came to realize there could be no comparison. Running at Emory became such a central part of my life. I was suddenly running better and training harder than I ever had. This season has honestly been one of the most intense, exhilarating, and heart wrenching moments of my life. Every day I was pushing myself and defying everything that I felt and thought. I shattered every expectation I had of myself. I am so grateful for everything that I gained from this season, the friendships I have made and the courage I have in the face of adversity.
Laura Burns

After camp I already had friends from the team while freshmen just moving in probably knew no one. We do so many fun things and get a few more "perks" that non-athletes don't get. I am also glad that I have more than just an academic purpose here. I have practice to look forward to every day and meets. The average person here at Emory is up all night and sleeps (wastes) the day away, while we are running and doing something productive.
Lindsay Entsminger

Cross country is so much more than just another varsity sport. Every girl on the team is there for each other during the good times and the hard times. Nothing can replace the feeling after running a great race and getting a hug from all your teammates. Cross country has made my freshman experience amazing and I can't wait until next year.
Alison McBride

Adele Blum is a senior from Jacksonville, Fla.

October 27, 2003

Last weekend, the dorms on campus looked particularly clean. A strange force vanquished unmade beds and cluttered desks.

Why did Emory students suddenly feel the need for cleanliness? Perhaps the flock of parents on campus for Family Weekend can explain the unique phenomenon.

The cross country team did not go without its share of familial visitors. We had a great crowd at dinner on Friday and at the Southeastern Classic race on Saturday. For those of us without guests, the other parents took over as pseudo-parents for the day, and they did an excellent job giving their hugs and support.

Seeing so many caring families reminded me of the importance of having a support network. All of us have committed a large part of our lives to athletics, but we did not make that commitment alone.

From the time of our first cross country/track meet, and continuing at the college level, our parents have contributed to our success. They have driven us across the country, spent hours in the cold for a quick glimpse at us in our racing uniforms, and they have encouraged us when we felt down.

Even though we may not call them every week, listen to their advice, or tell them how important they have been to us, our parents have been an important element of our lives. Particularly, as athletes, they have given us the support we need in order to perform the best we can.

So, to the parents who cheered for us at Berry College last Saturday, and to the parents who cheered from home, thank you for all you have done for us. The Emory cross country team would not function as well without you.

Colleen Brady is a junior from Jonesville, Mich.

October 20, 2003

It is more than half way through the season and I am at the point where I need to sit back and remind myself why I am doing this. Why am I running 40 miles a week when the average student doesn't run one mile a day?

Why do I wake up at 6:30 in the morning for practice when everyone else is still sleeping? What compels me to do something that makes my body ache for days after? Then I have to ask myself what I would do without all of this.

Now, I have to sit back and put everything in perspective. I run this much because I can. Because it clears my mind of all the normal stresses of a school day. I need the so called "runner's high" in order for my day to be complete.

Nothing feels better than that endorphin rush after a long run out at Kennesaw on a fall Sunday. It wakes me up and energizes me to get done what I need to do.

So even during these mid-season blues, when it feels like training will never end, I can always find something positive. Whether it is a hard interval workout in which we hit every time or just a nice recovery run where we can talk and catch up, there is always something about running that will cheer me up.

Adele Blum is a senior from Jacksonville, Fla.

October 13, 2003

At seven o'clock a train of cars drove down Westminster Drive. After the cars were parked, a group of (very lovely) women approached a grey house on a hill. They knocked at the door, where a man dressed as a butler greeted them and welcomed them inside.

Inside they found a table spread with yummy food. After munching on chips and chatting for awhile, the group went into the dining room and sat at their assigned seats (instead of place cards, they had painted gourds) in order to enjoy big, juicy hamburgers.

Yep, tonight (Monday) coach had us over for dinner. He went all out for the occasion. Nick and Byrd both wore white dress shirts and bow ties to act as our servers. We drank sparking grape juice from plastic champagne glasses, and we even had shrimp for an appetizer. And the dessert, well, "phenomenal" describes it perfectly.

Although most of the Emory campus went home for the weekend in order to enjoy some peace, the cross country team stayed in Atlanta. For the team, fall break began with a second-place finish at pre-nationals.

Then, on Saturday, some of my teammates ran in the "Take Back the Night" race to raise money for rape awareness. Sunday brought another run at Kennesaw, and Monday morning the team drove to Sweetwater for a run.

Coach wanted to reward everyone for their hard work and sacrifices, so he made dinner. I felt spoiled and loved. What a great way to spend a night of fall break--with wonderful food and even better friends.

Perhaps a trip home would have been a good vacation. We all miss sleeping in our own beds and seeing our families. But we have a commitment that most college students do not have. We have a team to which to dedicate our time.

Cross country can get tough, but we have wonderful friendships that make it all worth while. The occasional spoiling helps too.

Colleen Brady is a junior from Jonesville, Mich.

September 29, 2003

Adele's journal entry from last week hit home. This week I found myself questioning my choice to participate in Emory athletics. I felt overwhelmed by school--too many tests and papers seemed to fill my schedule. On top of all that, I have been struggling with a foot injury and unable to run with the team. As I pedaled an exercise bike in isolation, I felt frustrated and down.

No athletic experience can consist solely of "up" moments. We have to have our failures, our injuries, and our bad days every once in awhile. These down moments only make the successes sweeter. So, as I sit with an ice bag on my foot, I have hope for the great moments I will share with my teammates. I have decided to make a short list of the "highs" of running on the Emory team.

1. Friendship and everything that comes with it-laughter, trust, companionship, and support.
2. Working with a supportive and encouraging coaching staff.
3. Winning (team success)
4. Sunday morning bagels
5. Personal accomplishments
6. Pride
7. Feeling physically exhausted but knowing you've given your all
8. Van rides with the team
9. Coach Graham's (bad) jokes
10. Our Learnlink conference when we're bored in the library

My list could easily fill the pages of a book. I love Emory cross country, even when I think that I don't. The good times outweigh the slumps by far, and I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team.

Colleen Brady is a junior from Jonesville, Mich.

September 22, 2003

It is not even the middle of the semester and already I can feel the stress of school weighing me down. Test in one class, paper in another, and still there is a presentation that has to be finished.

One of the hardest things about participating in a varsity sport is balancing your time effectively. There is so much work that has to get done, but practice is draining and it is so hard to concentrate afterwards. Yet somehow we manage to finish it all, on time and well.

Being an NCAA Division III school, our emphasis is more on academics and not athletics. Unlike other divisions, athletic scholarships are not awarded. So, why do we run when we have so much work to concentrate on? The simple answer is, we enjoy it.

I enjoy the aspect of being on a team, being a part of something that only 18 others have decided to be a part of. The competitiveness that comes with every race and the sense of pride that you get when you have a good race or practice is irreplaceable. The feeling of accomplishment that you have run 10 miles on a Sunday morning before the rest of the school has even ventured outside. Not much can feel better than that.

Yes, we might take a lot of naps in order to concentrate on our work, but it eventually gets done. The balance between athletics and schoolwork is difficult, but it's the challenge that we, as a team, crave. We challenge ourselves during races to run our best, but we also challenge ourselves in the classroom to get the best grades we can.

So far, with another great race under our belts, we have conquered every challenge that has been thrown in our direction. With everyone's support this team will conquer it all.

Adele Blum is a senior from Jacksonville, Fla.