State Track Meet

Last weekend, we loaded up an ice chest and chairs and headed to Norman (the meet was at the OU Track & Field Facility) so Harper could compete in the State Hershey's Track Meet she qualified for in May.  In our local event, she did great...but we talked to her all week about the competition that would be at this event.  And boy were we right!  She was competing in the 100 m first.  There were two heats of girls and when the gun went off...I knew the competition was steep.  She ran her little heart out though.  It was so hot out that when they got done running, they had an individual helper to spray down each runner.  In her first heat she got about 4th or 5th, couldn't tell.  She was immediately so disappointed in herself.  Little did we know that when they called the names of the girls to compete in the finals...her name was called.  She did compete in the finals of the 100 m for 7-8 year olds.  She got 7th, but that didn't mean she got a ribbon.  Again, more diappoint from here...but we pepped her up and we at some lunch and waited.  After quite a bit of waiting in the direct sun...she was tired.  Then they called for the 50 m race.  Again, she ran in her heat and qualified for the finals.  This time, she just had to wait on the field to run.  It was great to see her interacting with the other girls.  She met a ton of new friends and seemed to really enjoy that part.  The 50 m finals proved to be very difficult; she placed 8th.  She wanted to win so bad...the winner gets to go on to compete in Hershey, PA at the national meet.  She was a little sad at first, but we told her how proud we were of her.  7th fastest at the State Meet...not to shabby for a girl who usually does distance run.  Most important thing...She had FUN!!!