Blog #7 – One door closes (temporarily), another door opens

By Brenna Cohoon

About four weeks remain in this track and field season.  Before we know it, the state’s best competitors will be in Charleston, Illinois, competing on the iconic blue track at Eastern Illinois University.  Anyone with aspirations to compete in the state meet is currently pouring every ounce of determination into their training to get to that end goal.

Before this season even began, I set some high expectations for myself.  I wanted the track season of my junior year to be everything I’ve ever hoped for, and more.  However, I have had a few bumps in the road that have definitely slowed down my intended progress.

Two weeks ago, I had to back off of training for a few days due to some pain in my foot and a troubling visit to the doctor.  Because of this, I did not compete at the Wheaton North Invitational.  But a few days later, I was relieved to hear that everything was okay after getting a second opinion.  Still, it was best for me not to race at the Distance Night in Palatine meet, so I could ease back into things and be ready to race well at Sectionals, and hopefully, State.

Nevertheless, lots of emotions surrounded me during last Saturday’s meet.  Nervousness.  Excitement.  Pride.  Disappointment.  Joy.

I was nervous because instead of competing, I would be interviewing various athletes after their races.  This was something I’d never done before and didn’t really know what to expect.  It would be way out of my comfort zone, to say the least.  What if I messed up?  Would I embarrass myself?  What would the viewers think?

I was excited because this was a new opportunity that could open doors for my future.  Considering my hopes of becoming a sports journalist, I knew that interviewing the runners at Palatine would be a great way to get some experience in that realm.  I was also excited to see how this meet would unfold.  Some of the best competition from all over the state (and beyond) would come together to create a high-energy atmosphere - perfect for some speedy times.

I was proud because my teammates ended up running phenomenal races.  Almost all 12 girls who raced ran personal best times.  Everyone placed well and displayed some inspiring resiliency against the incredible competition.  I even shed a few tears after some of my teammates’ races.  I see them working hard every day at practice, so witnessing their elation after doing so well was really special.

I was disappointed that I couldn’t race.  Watching my teammates and other people who I typically compete against run made me angry at my body in the moment.  I was frustrated that I couldn’t be out there doing what I love. 

I was thankfully able to use this meet as motivation for the future and try something else that allowed me to experience joy on many different levels:

I was joyful because I got to see so much of the raw, pure beauty of this sport from a different perspective.  From where I was standing near the finish line, I saw runners at the conclusion of their races just leave everything they had out on the track.  Many athletes threw their arms up in celebration, no matter where they placed.  This meet produced some fast results, and it made me happy to see all those who were ecstatic about their results.  

I was joyful because I was surrounded by the supportive running community that I feel so blessed to be a part of.  Not only did I get to spend time cheering on my teammates and having a good laugh here and there, but I also had many opportunities to converse with athletes from other teams throughout the evening.

I was joyful because I decided to live in the moment and enjoy what I was doing.  I had a blast interviewing everyone and experiencing the unique atmosphere of Distance Night in Palatine.  I chose to be grateful and use this meet to gain some valuable perspective.

I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I think that I have been faced with some challenges over the past couple of months to teach me not to take anything for granted.  Some people choose to see running as a chore instead of being passionate about it, but I do not wish to fall into that trap.  Running is a gift that we should all cherish, no matter where in the process we are.  Things can get frustrating, but we must combat that negativity with a positive mindset and try to find the silver lining.

Photos by Laura Duffy, Michael Newman © 2019

Editor’s Note – Brenna Cohoon did video interviews for DyeStat.com and ILXCTF.com Saturday evening at Distance Night in Palatine. You can view those videos here.