Together

We approach the starting line together

A rush of adrenaline pumps through each of us

The gun goes up

"Set"

"Bang"

We're off!

We all race through the first half mile together

As the mile mark approaches,

You look around and realize the pack has disappeared

You are basically alone

You push ahead

Striding

You are left with just your thoughts

And you remember yesterday's practice

You think about the pep talk just before the race

And wonder why you are doing this

You question how much longer you can keep this pace

You hear footsteps and feel someone breathing down your neck

"Pick it up" you think to yourself

You aren't sure you can

Then you remember your team and

Do it fr them

The finish line draws near

You begin to sprint even though you really can't

Your legs are burning

You feel like quitting

But you don't

It's at the finishline that your team awaits

Arms open, ready to embrace you for putting forth your best effort

It is at this moment that you realize

It's not about me, it's about US

Working to make each other better

And being there for one another

That's what this is about

Because on this team

The best times aren't always those

Measured by a stopwatch.

Stacie Bartlett "95"

Besides cross country for North Attleboro Stacie ran Spring Track specializing in the half mile.