Thirteen NB3FIT youth XC runners officially ended the cross-country season on December 10 at the USATF Junior Olympic Cross-Country Nationals meet in College Station, Texas. The NB3FIT runners went toe-to-toe with the best youth runners from across the country.
One girls’ and one boys eight and under team made the long trip to compete and experience what competing on a national level was like. For many on the team, it looked like a 12-hour drive with families in tow. And for the team, it was less about bringing home gold, and more about celebrating getting to nationals, trying their best and getting better.
NB3FIT coaches hosted families and runners the night before the race for a healthy pre-race dinner and team building activities to help calm nerves. The season is long, and over that time runners and parents become a community of support for one another. These small gatherings and dinners are great way to keep everyone connected and focused on a common goal.
The weather in Texas was nice and mild and the course was in top condition. NB3FIT runners took the starting line representing their families, tribes and running communities back home. Though none of the runners came home with top 10 finishes, most did come home with their own personal records! A fitting end to a record-breaking season.
