Desert Vista Girls 2016 NXN Journal

Nike Cross Nationals
Anna Rodriguez


Mandy Davis (Senior)

 The days spent at NXN revolve around running- you're  constantly surrounded by runners and you're preparing for a  pinnacle race. However, the NXN experience is also unique  because of the moments that aren't related to running. Of all  of the special moments of the weekend, playing around the  world ping pong and card games with strangers from across  the nation definitely qualifies. There lies the magic of NXN,  because the next morning you find yourself battling through  the mud with the same "strangers" that have one thing in  common with you- they run. The Glendoveer course was a  mental challenge for me, because my pace didn't feel  anything like it should in a race as my feet sunk into the  ground when I so desperately wanted to move fast. That is  why NXN is all about the team, not time. I looked up with only
one goal, and that was to pass every competitor within reach that didn't have "Ahwatukee" across their jersey. I had a tough race and wish my legs would've had it in them to accomplish that point-minimizing goal for my team. Regardless, I ran my heart out for my teammates who were doing the same for me. We waited what seemed like eternity for the team scores to be revealed. We had a moment of celebration when we heard that we placed fourth, only to find that those were the standings after two miles, not the finish. Our sixth place finish still brought us much joy. We were reminded that out of the nearly 15,000 girls high school cross country teams in the nation, we are the sixth best. Placing sixth in the nation was especially significant because of our sixth place finish in the region last year. I experienced NXN for the first time in 2014, and comparing both experiences, my favorite part of each was the closing ceremonies. With the loud music playing as the top ten individuals and top three teams made their way to the stage, NXN has inspired and motivated me to work harder than ever before to reach the level of those athletes. (Photo by Ben Crawford)